IDST 300
Eco-Urban Footprints of Postmetropolis Life: Examining Natural and Social Ecologies of Philadelphia
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Course Description: This course studies urban landscapes as hybrid phenomena that emerge from an integral relationship between human and ecological processes. Urban ecosystems of the Philadelphia metropolitan area are viewed as the outcome of complex interactions between socio-economic and bio-physical systems in which humans have been and continue to be the dominant agents of change. It is suggested that urban spatial patterns can be better understood by describing the unique relationship between land-use and land-cover along distinct dimensions of what could be defined as ecological footprints of in postmetropolis landscapes. Students examine alternative development patterns within this urban landscape and assess and measure various effects natural and social conditions within the neighborhoods of North-Central Philadelphia. Various techniques of analysis (including the use of Geographic Information Systems) will be learned and used in application to specific community-based research projects. Attention will be given to strategizing new forms of urban living that are conducive to ecological sustainability.

Course Requirements:
1) Attendance and Participation: It is assumed each student is committed to achieving the highest educational value from this course. In order to accomplish that goal it is necessary to attend each seminar period and be actively involved in and a contributor to class activities.

Statement on Attendance: Missing two class sessions will lower your course grade by one full letter. (three absences will result in a two-letter drop). Coming late or leaving class early by more than twenty minutes will constitue an absence.

Statement on Participation: Students will also be graded on the quality of their individual contribution to discussions and in-class activities. To receive a high grade for participation come to each class having read the assigned material, prepared to make helpful contributions to class discussion, and with questions from your interaction with the texts.

Your "Participation" grade will be assessed as follows: "Full Credit" - came to class having read the assignment, prepared to contribute to class discussion, and asked relevant, text-related questions; "Partial Credit" - came to class having read the assignment, only participated in class discussion when called upon, and rarely asked questions from the readings; "None" - came to class but did not participate in discussion or ask relevant questions.

2) Quizzes and Final Examinations: At the beginning of each class period there will be a short quiz covering the assigned readings. Be prepared to give important information regarding main points, perspectives outlined by the author, and/or the identification of a key quote. The final examination will be comprehensive.

3) Weekly Reading Response: Each week students will respond to a set of questions in light of the reading assignment. This activity is intended to help guide your reading, assist you in your critical thinking about key course concepts and give you opportunity for reflection. Use the following questions to create a "Weekly Reading Response Form" for each of the assignmed articles and/or chapters. A completed form is due at the beginning of each class period and will be used during class discussion. Provide a written response to each of the following questions:

• In 2-3 sentences summarize the main points of each assigned reading.
• Which of these points do you find most compelling? Why?
• With which points do you disagree? Why do you disagree?
• What was one significant quote you have from these articles? Why is this statement important to you?
• How have these readings enhanced and/or expanded your understanding of social ethics and ethical decision-making in an urban context?

3) Small Group Assignment: Students working for a grade of "B" or higher will participate in a small group assignment that develops a case study of the three main ethical theories examined during the semester. See the Addendum for additional information on the form and construction of this assignment.

4) Reflection Essay

5) Individual Writing Project: Students working for an "A" grade will accomplish a four-part writing project on a selected topic. A detailed description of this project is in the Addendum.

Grade Options:
Participation - Quizzes - Reading Responses - Final Exam - SmGrpWork - Essay - Writing Project
A ....10% .........10% .........15% .........5% ..........45% ........5% ........10%
B ....15% .........15% .........15% .........5% ..........45% ........5%
C ....15% .........15% .........15% .........10% ........45%

Grading will be based on the following criteria:

• "A"-excellent work throughout, worked with course material in seeking to answer important and relevant questions, was able to be self-critical and demonstrated good analysis, very few mechanical and technical errors.
• "B"-demonstrated attempts to work with course material in an applied, analytical manner.
• "C"-met the most basic requirements for fulfilling this assignment, offered only limited or cursory analysis.
• "D"-did not fulfill the assignment, parts were not accomplished, work had mechanical and technical errors, did not demonstrate any attempt to think carefully or critically in accomplishing this assignment.