[Teaching statement.]

GEOG 1200 The City in the Western Tradition – This course is grounded in the understanding that the history of the world is “written” in its cities. Understanding the city in the Western tradition means we need to have an understanding of a broad heritage of social norms, traditions, customs, ethical values, belief systems, and political systems. We will examine the development of cities, from Athens and Rome, through Europe of the Middle Ages and the Renaissance, and finally to America. (syllabus)

URBN 1300W Exploring Your Community (online) – Most of us live busy lives and run around from place to place during the day, barely considering the places that we engage with. We often consider places merely as the containers for our actions. But places are much more than that—places are powerful and have meaning. In this course, students will examine the “power of place” to see that places shape us (e.g., our actions, attitudes, values) as much as we shape them (e.g., urban planning). This online course examines various aspects of urban and community life emphasizing the interplay of social justice, diversity, individual and social well-being. We will explore theories, concepts, and methods in community studies. (syllabus)

URBN 2000 Intro to Urban & Community Studies – In this multidisciplinary course, students will examine the nature of the city, the processes that affect urban change, and the future of the city. The course will touch on many basic urban themes and theories including culture, transportation, segregation, sustainability, etc. As students build up a background in basic urban theories, written assignments will provide opportunities to develop individual perspective, explore specific interests, become familiar with urban scholars and scholarly resources, and make connections between theory and current events in Connecticut cities as well as other American cities. (syllabus) 

URBN 2302 Qualitative Methods in UCS – This course serves as an introduction to a wide range of qualitative methods used in urban social research. The class is structured around interdisciplinary techniques for fieldwork and data collection including: visual and narrative analysis, participant observation, interviewing, and archival research. Students will have the opportunity to collect and analyze a variety of data through project-based assignments and will learn about the practicalities, ethics, and relevance of research in the social sciences. (syllabus)

GEOG 2400 Intro to Sustainable Cities – This course focuses on the concept of just sustainabilities, or “the need to ensure a better quality of life for all, now and into the future, in a just and equitable manner, whilst living within the limits of supporting ecosystems” (Agyeman, Bullard and Evans, 2003: 5). Cities that are sustainable make it possible for everyone to access to clean air and water, reliable and non-polluting transportation, as well as jobs, schools, open space, and affordable healthy food, all while reducing the city’s ecological footprint. In this class, we will investigate the theories, tools and techniques of urban sustainability to help move society toward the creation of more ecologically, economically and socially sustainable urban communities. (syllabus)

GEOG 3200 Urban Geography – Connecticut cities like Waterbury, Bridgeport and New Britain are postindustrial cities; they were once industrial powerhouses and hubs of business, retail, and services. But since the mid-twentieth century, however, these cities have experienced a loss of both jobs and population, and now face daunting economic, social, physical, and operational challenges. Postindustrial cities have many assets that can act as catalysts for regeneration–vital downtowns, historic neighborhoods, vibrant universities and medical centers, multimodal transportation networks, and rich cultural resources. This class examines the ways in which American postindustrial cities have capitalized on these assets to increase their competitive advantages and build new economic engines. (syllabus)

URBN 3998 Historical Geography of Urban Parks – Frederick Law Olmsted, a Hartford native, is best known as America’s preeminent park maker. While Central Park in Manhattan, Prospect Park in Brooklyn, and the Emerald Necklace park system in Boston may be among his most well-known parks, Olmsted used parks to shape the Connecticut urban landscape as well. In this course we will engage in both historical and contemporary analysis to explore a variety of issues, such as: Olmsted’s design philosophy, the environmental and social benefits of parks, and the changing social practices of park use. (syllabus)

URBN 4000 Understanding Your Community (online) – In this course, students will engage in applied research by conducting an in-depth examination of an urban area or local community. Over the course of the semester, students will develop a research design, collect data and present findings in a detailed report that includes a historical perspective of the community, an analysis of issues and stakeholders, and an evaluation of the internal strengths and weaknesses, as well as external threats and opportunities, of the community.  Additionally, this report will propose strategies for addressing urban and community problems, while at the same time advancing equity, growth and development. (syllabus)  

GEOG 4200W Geog. Analysis of Urban Social Issues – In this course, students will become acquainted with the wide range of approaches that can be applied to urban settings to inform on social issues. Particular emphasis will be placed on applying the concepts of sustainability to urban environments and on understanding the interconnections of social, economic, political, and environmental factors shaping the urban environment. The focus of the course changes each semester and this course often requires a service learning component. (syllabus)

GEOG 4210 Urban & Regional Planning – This course provides an introduction and overview of the historical development of planning in American cities. The course will examine the history and theories of planning and a variety of significant contemporary issues in planning including smart growth, new urbanism, sustainable development. A major part of the course will look at urban planning from a social justice perspective to examine the impact that planning decisions have on the lives of urban residents.