DESCRIPTION: The purpose of the class is to challenge each student's perspective of the city. The instructor will expose the class to a wide variety of topics, theories, and methods that relate to the field of urban studies. The instructor will also relate all of the class materials to central themes and issues confronting Christianity today. Students will interact with professionals who are involved in urban life such as elected officials, law enforcement administrators, social service agency representatives, artists, etc. Such persons will be guest lecturers who, along with the instructor, will integrate social responsibility and religion from various points of view. Perspectives will include local politics, business and economics, social capital, housing and homelessness, law enforcement, community relations, demographics, and arts and leisure.

SIGNIFICANCE FOR LIFE AND MINISTRY: Students will be challenged to (1) engage representatives from public and private agencies who will be guest lecturers; (2) participate in class discussions concerning new approaches to address social issues such as affordable housing, homelessness, informal economy, mental illness, and substance abuse; and (3) physically engage local public spaces that are being transformed from places of disinvestment to reinvestment such as LA's skid row, central LA's MacArthur Park, ethnic enclaves such as Korea Town, and Pasadena's world-renowned Colorado Blvd. During the course students will be encouraged to integrate these experiences into their spiritual lives through spiritual practices that will be introduced in class each week.

LEARNING OUTCOMES: Students will

1. gain an introductory understanding of urbanology: the city, its people, and its systems;

2. acquaint themselves with urban leaders;

3. familiarize themselves with the three major sectors of urban life--private, government, and voluntary (non-profit and faith-community)--as they contribute to our understanding of the processes of urban continuity, growth, and decay;

4. examine differing viewpoints on community development and conflict;

5. orient and motivate themselves for an urban ministries program.

Barton, Ruth Haley. Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation. InterVarsity Press, 2006. 192 pages. ISBN: 0830833331. Pub. Price: $17.00.

Gottdiener, M., and Leslie Budd. Key Concepts in Urban Studies. SAGE Publications, 2005. 200 pages. ISBN: 0761940987. Pub. Price: $35.00.

Course Reader compiled by instructor.

1. Attend class, complete required readings, and participate in discussions (20% of grade);

2. Complete eight (8) neighborhood description and reflection papers (between 2 and 3 pages) after receiving instructions given in class (40% of grade);

3. Complete a final research paper (minimum 10 pages) by incorporating neighborhood description and reflection papers after receiving instructions given in class (40% of grade).