This seminar examines the origins, types, and characteristics of cities in less developed countries and the ways in which patterns of urbanization interact with policies to promote economic growth and social equity. Readings and class discussions are divided in three parts: A) A history of urbanization and its relationship with capitalist development; B) an analysis of contemporary urban systems in the Third World, demographic patterns, and the social structure of large cities; C) A review of the literature on the informal economy and the situation and outlooks of the urban poor. Special topics to be examined include the origins and types of shantytowns, the composition and behavior of urban elites, and the relationship of the informal sector to neoliberal adjustment policies. Final grades will be determined as follows: 1/3 In-class examination 1/3 Class presentation and report 1/3 Take-home final examination OFFICE HOURS: Tuesdays: 4:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesdays: 2:30-4:30 p.m. |
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Part I: Urbanization and Capitalist Development in Historical Perspective Week Topic Readings 1st - Sept. 15 The Rise of Cities Pirenne, Chs. 2-4 2nd - Sept. 22 The Transition from Dobb, Chs. 2, 3, 5,6 Feudalism to Capitalism 3rd - Sept. 29 Capitalism and Development Schumpeter, Chs. 2, 3 in the Early Twentieth Century Dobb, Ch. 8 4th - Oct. 6 Peripheral Urbanization before Roberts, Chs. 2-4 the Modern Period *Hardoy, Ch. 1 Course Outline
5th - Oct. 13 The Present and Future of Schumpeter, Chs. 6, 8, 9 Capitalist Development Evans, Ch. 1 *Harvey, Chs. 3-4, 19 6th - Oct. 20 Midterm Test CLASS PRESENTATIONS BEGIN
Part II: Urbanization and Underdevelopment 7th - Nov. 3 Urbanization and Development Roberts, Ch. 1 in the Modern Period Kincaid and Portes, Chs. 1-3 5-6 *Arrighi, Ch. 4 8th - Nov. 10 The Developmental State Evans, Chs. 2-5, 7, 10 *Wilber, Chs. 6-11 *Required readings for students presenting on that day only; optional for others. Part III: The Condition of Life in Peripheral Cities 9th - Nov. 17 Coping with Urban Poverty Roberts, Chs. 5-8 Portes, Dore, and Landolt, Chs. 4, 5 *Hardoy, Chs. 3, 4, 8,12 FALL RECESS
10th - Dec. 1 The Urban Informal Economy Portes, Castells, and Benton and Development Chs. 1, 2, 6, 7, 9, 10, 13, 15 *Bromley and Gerry, Chs. 4, 8, 11, 13 11th - Dec. 8 Caribbean Cities Under Portes, Dore, and Landolt, Neoliberal Adjustment Chs. 1, 2, 6-8 *Dominguez, Pastor, and Worrell, Chs. 1, 2, 5, 8 THANKSGIVING RECESS
*Required readings for students presenting on that day only; optional for others TAKE-HOME EXAMINATIONS DISTRIBUTED