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SYLLABUS
URBAN MUNICIPAL MANAGEMENT SPRING 2014
COURSE NUMBER: 10:762:317:01
INSTRUCTOR:
TIME/LOC:
OFFICE HOURS:
DR. LEAH B. YASENCHAK leah@njbrownfield.com 732-859-0831
WEDNESDAY
3:55 PM TO 6:55 PM
RAB 209A
Immediately following class or by appointment
INTRODUCTION
This class is intended for advanced undergraduates. This class introduces you to how municipal
government actually works, especially in large and mid-size cities. Specifically, the course
emphasizes the political, economic, social, and demographic settings, themes, and processes
within which cities and their governments operate.
As needed, I may assign additional short journal or newspaper readings. If so, I will place them
on the class Sakai site under Resources.
PRIMARY COURSE OBJECTIVES
 Gain an understanding and appreciation of the political, economic, social and
demographic settings, themes, and processes within which cities and their governments
exist.
 Further explore these issues and gain insight into the “urban condition” through a term
paper that brings together the topics discussed in class through the lens of a single US
city of your choosing. This is intended to increase your understanding of the topics,
while enhancing your research and writing skills and oral presentation skills.
 Explore some of the basics of the city management process.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND EXPECTATIONS
Basis for Your Final Grade
25% = Short (1-2 page, double-space typed, 12-point font) paper on research results for each
topic area, specific to your target city
15% = In-class midterm
35% = 12-15 page research paper (double-space typed, 12-point font)
10% = In-class presentation on your research paper
15% = Class attendance and ACTIVE participation
Grading Scale
A is 90 or higher
C+ is 77 - 79
B+ is 87 - 89
C is 70 to 76
B is 80 - 86
D is 60 to 69
F is 59 and lower
Readings
1. Judd, Dennis R. and Swanstrom, Todd. (2010). City Politics: The Political Economy of
Urban America. (Eighth Edition). New York: Longman.
2. Ross, Bernard H. and Myron A. Levine. (2012) Urban Politics: Cities and Suburbs in a
Global Age. Eighth Edition. Armonk, New York: M.E. Sharpe.
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3. Congressional Quarterly Researcher. (2013). Urban Issues. Washington, DC: Sage
Publications.
Short (1-2 page) Topical Research Results
Each student will select a city on which to focus. Each class is organized around a topic relevant
to all cities. In addition to the required readings, students shall come to class prepared to speak
on how the topic manifests itself in their specific city. The research results must be uploaded to
Sakai by the start of class, and students should be prepared to bring their findings to the
classroom discussion. These research summaries are not expected to be essays or complete
papers, but instead collections of information, data, and sources that help put the topic in context
for their selected city, and collectively will serve as the basis for the final research paper. Grades
will be based upon the sources used, the completeness of the research, and the relevance of the
data presented. Eleven such papers are required throughout the course of the semester.
Mid-Term
The mid-term will contain both short answer and essay questions. It is scheduled for
March 12th.
Research Paper
The research paper (term paper) is worth 35% of your grade. This paper should total 12 to 15
pages in length, double-spaced, not counting notes, references, and graphics. You must use
sources beyond the texts, my class lectures, and any additional readings I assign. The paper is to
be a culmination of the research you have conducted on your selected city throughout the course.
Please note that I fully expect the research paper to be an original product that you write for this
course only. You CANNOT turn in a prior or current paper from another class – or whole
sections of such papers – and pass any of that off as the paper for this class. Similarly, no
other forms of plagiarism will be tolerated. We take such misconduct very seriously.
Research papers are due May 7th uploaded onto the class Sakai site by 9:00 PM.
In-Class Presentation of Your Paper
We will hold the presentations on April 30th. The presentation should utilize powerpoint and
be 10-12 minutes long. It should include a section on introduction/background; Critical issues;
Status; and Recommendations/ Conclusions.
Class Participation and Attendance
Class participation is a major requirement in this class and I expect your participation to
be active. Active participation means more than simply attending class. It means raising
your hand to respond to the class discussions about the readings, providing your reasoned
opinion, and/or posing questions.
I will take attendance during each class. If I find that you are sitting back and not actively
participating I will call on you because students benefit more from the learning experience by
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becoming actively engaged in class discussions. It is also a great way to build up your
confidence about speaking in front of others.
Check Sakai Weekly
Check our class Sakai site and your email to stay informed and on top of the class activities
and requirements. I use Sakai to make important class announcements. You are responsible for
keeping track of those announcements and any changes in requirements.
Academic Integrity
Plagiarism and cheating or copying from other sources or from each other’s work in any manner
is not tolerated and will result in a grade of 0 (zero) for that assignment. As well, taking whole
sections from your own previously written papers from other classes and plopping them into the
term paper will not be tolerated and will result in a 0 (zero) grade for the assignment. I use
software that will reveal any and all forms of plagiarism. Please consult the updated Academic
Integrity document on the web: http://academicintegrity.rutgers.edu/integrity.shtml#l
Classroom Behavior/Manners
 I expect you to respect the views, comments, and experiences of your fellow
classmates and will not tolerate disrespectful, intimidating, or insulting behavior.
 Disruptive behavior during class time is not permitted. This includes holding side
conversations, listening to and/or singing along with your IPOD, working on your laptop
or other computerized equipment even if it is academically related, reading non-related
course materials, playing videos, playing cards, texting, twitter, reading emails, surfing
the Internet, and so forth. Such behaviors and activities will not be tolerated. If I catch
you I will ask you to leave the class and that will negatively impact your class
participation grade. No exceptions.
 Laptops are permitted in class but ONLY for taking notes and looking up
information directly relevant to our class. Please seat yourself to minimize
keyboard noise and distractions in fairness to the other students.
 Snack food is permitted as are coffee, tea, soda, juice, etc. Minimize food noises/odors.
 All cell phones, IPODS, and related electronic equipment must be silenced or turned
off during class time. Students who persist in disrupting the class will be asked to leave
and will receive an unexcused absence for that class.
READINGS AND ASSIGMENTS
January 22
Introduction
January 29
Politics and Structure of Local Government (Ross Ch 4, 5, 6)
February 5
Crime (CQ Ch 9; http://www.bjs.gov/content/pub/pdf/pdlc00.pdf)
February 12
Race (Ross Ch 11; Judd Ch 6, 8)
February 19
Environmental Justice (Ross Ch 7; Judd Ch 10)
February 26
Poverty (CQ Ch 10, 12)
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March 5
Education (CQ Ch 1, Ross Ch 8)
March 12
In-class Midterm Exam
March 19
No Class: Spring Break
March 26
Infrastructure (CQ Ch 7; Judd Ch 2)
April 2
State and Federal Influences (Ross Ch 11; Judd Ch 12)
April 9
Housing (Ross Ch 9; Judd Ch 7)
April 16
Economic Development (CQ Ch 4, 5; Judd Ch 13)
April 23
Vacant Property / Brownfields
(http://www.smartgrowthamerica.org/documents/from-vacancy-to-vibrancy.pdf)
April 30
Last class: Presentations on Term Papers. Research Papers due uploaded
onto class Sakai site by 9:00 PM