Sustainable development has become a crucial concept in international initiatives worldwide. It attempts to foster policies that balance the need for economic development with practices that promote healthy communities and ecosystems. This course is based on the instructor's theoretical and practical experience gathered in developed and developing countries under market and command economies conditions. Special emphasis is placed on the role of institutions, both governmental and non-government, in shaping economic policies that are compatible with environmental health. The course pursues the objective of preparing students to understand main environmental problems and to generate solutions for these problems from a multidisciplinary perspective.

PPS 331

ENVIRONMENTAL JUSTICE

The purpose of this course is to provide students with a historical background on environmental justice (EJ) in the US and an understanding of the current EJ movement. Policy debates surrounding EJ are highlighted from recent studies on determining 'disproportionate impact' to local EJ communities. In addition, students will experience the challenges of EJ organizations in Chicago through the service-based leaning component of the course. Twenty-five hours of service learning is required for completion of this course.

PPS 332

NATIONAL PARKS POLICY AND GOVERNANCE

This course focuses on the interrelationship between public policy, human values, and nature as displayed through environmental policy governing our national parks. Special attention is given to the cultural dynamics (including political and legal) that are demonstrated in how public policies have been created and implemented over time in regards to our national parks. The course reviews the policy literature and theories associated with the management of the national parks as it reflects our societal values of the time period. These policies have dramatically changed over time, so it is an ideal venue that demonstrates a significant change in how we view nature. The role of tourism, economic development pressures and property owners (takings) concerns will be included. Also, critical thinking about national parks policy will be required. This is taught as a hybrid course.

PPS 333

GREEN CITIES

This course looks at public policies pertaining to urban sustainability. Low-carbon transportation, green building policies, locally produced renewable energy, and storm water management policies are among the topics discussed.

PPS 334

SUSTAINABLE LAND REVITALIZATION AND BROWNFIELDS REDEVELOPMENT PROJECT

This course introduces students to environmental public policy issues associated with Brownfields, Superfund sites, and an assortment of state and local land revitalization programs. Substantive emphasis includes examination of social problems and public policy impediments associated with the revitalization of neighborhoods.

PPS 329

TOPICS IN ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

This course provides an in-depth examination of various environmental studies issues.

PPS 359

TOPICS IN URBAN STUDIES

This course provides an in-depth examination of various urban studies issues.

PPS 250

ISSUES IN NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT

A major focus of urban policy and grassroots action is the condition of city neighborhoods. This course examines trends in urban policy as they have affected neighborhoods, neighborhood-grounded grassroots action, and local neighborhood development initiatives.

PPS 251

URBAN POVERTY

This course examines the demographics of poverty and its concentration in central cities. In addition, definitions of poverty and public policies aimed at alleviating poverty are explored with the aim of understanding why poverty remains prevalent in the United States.

PPS 252

PUBLIC POLICY IN COMPARATIVE HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE

This course examines the origins and evolution of urban public policy in the United States and other countries. Substantive emphases include city planning measures, urban redevelopment, health and environmental measures, as well as various social policies.

PPS 253

THE CINEMATIC CITY

This course examines the relationship between the city and cinema and explores how the city both real and ideal is represented in film. Covering a diverse selection of films, genres, and historical periods, the course critically explores the relationship between urban forms and cinematic representations.

PPS 254

SCREENING SUBURBIA

The course explores how suburbia was represented in cinema since the post-war period. Covering diverse selection of films and genre, the course examines how domesticity, family life, gender roles, race, suburbanization, domestic space and architecture have been in cinematic space. Drawing on historical and contemporary sources, the course places suburbia at the center stage and examines the relationship between cinema and suburban ideals and how cinema as a particular mode of representation has sought to address suburbia as a particular American social and cultural landscape.

PPS 255

CITIES, GLOBALIZATION AND PUBLIC POLICY

The course will examine the process of globalization on cities and its policy implication. In particular, the course will explore how the impact of globalization on cities may be evaluated; what benefits or problems they produce and for whom. It will conclude by looking at how public policy professionals can influence these results.

PPS 303

PUBLIC POLICY AND LEADERSHIP

This course analyzes modes of leadership within the context of public policy formulation and implementation. The policy-making process in post-industrial democracies will be discussed from bureaucratic, grassroots, and electoral standpoints, emphasizing the challenges for civic and community leadership that emerge from negotiating competing interests in policy outcomes.

PPS 350

CRITICAL ISSUES IN URBAN DEVELOPMENT

The course examines the central issues in contemporary urban development: how urban restructuring, demographic shifts, new patterns of production and consumption, as well as technologically-grounded globalization processes, shape urban development. The course emphasizes the changing context of urban development policy and explores various critical approaches to interpreting urban development policy.

PPS 351

THE POLICY AND POLITICS OF URBAN HOUSING

The course looks at housing as a social symbol and material commodity, with particular emphasis placed on the role of government in the direct provision of housing and the indirect support of home ownership, as well as housing policies indirect impact on neighborhood development, race relations, and metropolitan surburbanization.

PPS 352

ISSUES IN URBAN EDUCATIONAL POLICY

This course examines the politics, history, and social context of urban education. Special attention is devoted to emerging policy alternatives such as the use of school vouchers and the formation of charter schools.

PPS 397

TRAVEL/STUDY

Travel/Study

Catalog Version

Concentration Requirements

Environmental Studies Concentration

Open Electives

Urban Studies Concentration