CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LONG BEACH

Geography 401, Urban Studies 4011, Urban Life and Problems
Fall Semester 2001, TR 11: 00- 12:15, LA4-104Dr. JR. Curtis, Office: LA4-206C, Office Phone: 562/985-4978; Office Hours: TR 10:301 1:00 & 1:00-2:00 and by appointment

Required Texts

        Blake Gumprecht, The Los Angeles River: Its Life, Death, and Possible Rebirth

        Lawrence A. Herzog, From Aztec to High Tech: Architecture and Landscape Across the Mexico-        United States Border

        D.J. Waldie, Holy Land: A Suburban Memoir

Examinations

There will be a midterm and a final examination. Each exam is worth 150 points, and will consist of multiple-choice and essay questions derived from lecture, The final is not comprehensive; it will cover only the material presented in the second half of the semester.

Book Report

Required is an 8- to 10-page report-double-spaced, one-inch margins, 12-point font-on The Los Angeles River. The report should consist of three parts. The first (and probably shortest) section ought to identify and briefly discuss the author's goal(s) or intention in writing the book. In other words, what were Gumprecht's objectives? If an operating hypothesis or general thesis is offered, identify and discuss it. The second (and probably longest) section should clearly and concisely summarize the major points or findings of the book. Finally, offer an analysis or critical assessment of the book. What were the book's positive aspects and its major deficiencies? Did the author achieve his stated objectives? Would you recommend this book? If so, why? If not, why? The report is worth 100 points.

Class Presentations and Discussion

The class will be divided into two groups, each to make presentations of, and lead classroom discussions of, either Holy Land or Chapter Four in From Aztec to High Tech. Each group will have two class meetings to make their presentations and lead discussions. All members of the two groups must work together and, as much as possible, share the work equally. The kind of presentatior4 or presentations, the group may want to make is open. The only requirement is that the presentation must demonstrate the group got out into the field and examined the respective topics-- suburban development in Lakewood, and Hispanic-Mexican architecture and design in southern California. The group may want, for example, to show slides or videos it has taken relevant to the respective topics. Individual group members may want to offer original poetry, artwork, or short stories inspired by the topics. Groups may want to stage presentation art. Be creative. Be traditional. Be a bit of both. But whatever you do show that you (the group) have engaged the topics in a serious, meaningful way. And everyone must participate fully and equally. The presentation/discussion is worth 100 points (up to 50 for the group; up to 50 for the individual).

Grading Policy

A total of 500 points is attainable in the course. The point scores, relative to the rest of the class, will be used to determine a letter grade distribution; grades will be based on a “curve."

Saturday Field Trip to Downtown Los Angeles

A field trip, via the Blue Line from Long Beach's Willow Station, will be held on Saturday, October 6. We will
depart around 8:30 am and return about 4:00 pm. The trip is optional, but you are strongly urged to attend. Maps and details will be distributed in class.

Lecture Topics and Examination Dates

Stages in the Historical Development of the American City

Downtown in the American City

Strips, Malls, and Edge Cities

          Midterm Examination, Tuesday, October 16

Suburbanization, Housing, and Homes

          Holy Land Presentation/Discussion, November 6 and 8

Urban Ethnic Communities and Landscapes

          From Aztec to High Tech Presentation/Discussion, November 27 and 29

Urban Life and Problems in the Future City

          Final Examination, Thursday, December 13, 10:15-12:15