Urban Politics Summer 2015 Professor: Martin Saiz Office: Sierra Tower 220 Phone: 818-677-7236 E-mail: martin.saiz@csun.edu Moodle: http://moodle.csun.edu/ Office Hours: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays 5:00 – 6:00 pm.

A Few Rules 1. Please be on time 2. No leaving once class begins. 3. Turn off or silence cell phone 4. No text messaging 5. No laptops

Student Learning Goals and Objectives Critical Thinking Students should demonstrate sophisticated skills in reading primary sources. Students should be able to evaluate the theories and analyses, critically integrating alternative points of view. Political Decision Making Students should demonstrate an in-depth understanding and knowledge of the political institutions. Students should be able to identify policy formation and implementation models

Why Study Urban Politics? 3 reasons 1. All politics is local politics 2. America is an urban society 3. Urban political studies have often shaped our understanding of American politics

“All Politics Is Local Politics” -Thomas P “All Politics Is Local Politics” -Thomas P. “Tip” O’ Neill, Former Speaker of the House Why are local politics important? Includes key elements of American political life Often the most visible manifestation of government Most citizen concerns tend to be local Devolution of federal power

America Is An Urban Society 75 percent live in a metropolitan area Cities are center of American culture Social problems are often concentrated in large cities

Urban Political Studies Have Often Shaped Our Understanding of American Politics Pluralism -- Robert Dhal’s study of new haven Elite theory- Floyd hunter’s study of Atlanta Competitive federalism -- Paul Peterson’s city limits

Course Requirements Book: Judd, Dennis R. and Todd Swanstrom. 2015. City Politics, 9th Edition New York: Pearson. An historical analysis of urban politics. An introductory background and an explanation of current issues and problems in urban politics Carefully read the assignment for each class session.

Course Requirements Monitor some news source Best Daily Newspaper: Look for the activities of the Mayor, City Council, and the major city departments (particularly the police and the redevelopment agency) as well as the actions of the authorities that control the city’s major infrastructure: LAX, the Port of LA, LA Water and Power, LA Metro, and Caltrans. Don’t forget to monitor the business news for local real estate activity.

Course Requirements There will be five quizzes (including the final). These will include a series of short answer questions; you will have a choice of questions to answer. The final exam will similar to the earlier four exams in format and content except that it will include at least one longer essay question.

Course Requirements Actively participate in the urban decision making role playing simulation. The simulation introduces the student to a world of contending and sometimes contentious groups and people, with a rich diversity of viewpoints, values and goals.

Grading The grade will be determined according to the following formula:   Class Participation 10% Average score of 4 in-class short answer quizzes (15% each) 60% Final short answer and essay quiz 30%

Class Organization Class Date Topic Reading Quiz July 8 Introduction   July 13 The urbanization of America and an introduction to village politics Chapter 1: City Politics in America: An Introduction Chapter 2: The Enduring Legacy July 15 Machine politics, reform and modernization Chapter 3: Party Machines and the Immigrants Chapter 4: The Reform Crusades In class short answer quiz 1

Class Organization Class Date Topic Reading Quiz July 22 The Great Society Program and the fall of national urban policy Chapter 7: National Policy and the City/Suburban Divide Chapter 8: Federal Programs and the Divisive Politics of Race In class short answer quiz 2 July 27 Urban planning and the suburbs   Chapter 9: The Rise of the Sunbelt July 29 Politics and the legal basis of planning Chapter 10: The Rise of the Fragmented Metropolis In class short answer quiz 3

Class Organization Class Date Topic Reading Quiz August 3 Cars, congestion and transportation planning Chapter 11: Governing the Fragmented Metropolis   August 5 Housing and housing poor people Chapter 12: The Metropolitan Battleground In class short answer quiz 4 August 10 Race and space in American cities Chapter 13: The Renaissance of the Metropolitan Center August 12 Theories of power in urban government Chapter 14: Governing the Divided City August 17 Growth and economic development planning Chapter 15: City and Metropolis in the Global Era Case study simulation: Mammoth Motors’ New Paint Shop Final short answer quiz