2017-2018 Academic Catalog

Nov 25, 2024

2017-2018 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

GEOG 280 - Urban Ecology: Cities as Ecosystems

Explores ecology and the social and physical geography of cities as systems built and inhabited by people, and constantly changed by social, biological and physical processes. This class of ecosystem is often neglected except in studies of pollution, yet it is home to many of the world’s people and to a surprising number of plant and animal species as well. Readings, lectures, discussion and written work combine landscape and systems ecology with physical and urban geography and environmental justice to broaden our understanding of city environments, both present and possible. In addition to the 3 hour block for class, weekly field classes in Worcester and project workshop time requires attendance at a second weekly 3 hour session. Four day field trip to Boston/Providence or New York City is required: Sept. 15-18 (alt. dates: Sept. 22-25); a $100 fee is charged to students at time of registration to cover administrative and transportation costs. In addition, students should bring $20 for a subway pass and enough to cover meals. Book costs for the course are minimal. Registration is by Permission only (email: drocheleau@clarku.edu)

Anticipated Terms Offered: Offered every year