Urban Geography, Planning, and Politics

There were many questions regarding your poster sizes and printing, so I will try and summarize my response here.
- The best way to create the poster is with PowerPoint
- I have created a template here that you can modify and use. I’ve already set the paper size to A0 (32.7 x 45.4 inches or 83.0 x 115.4 cm). You can print it at a print store like Kinkos. You can bring it to them on a USB key, or you can send it to them through the online system (if you decide to do that – call ahead first). Usually a black and white A0 poster costs about $10-$15. I believe staples is a bit cheaper, but their hours are not as flexible.
- Alternatively, you may print out separate sheets (individual slides of your PowerPoint) and glue them to a poster board/science fair boards. This is not as attractive but may be more economical
- Normally, your viewer should be able to stand about 4 feet away (arm’s length) without leaning in to clearly read the content and text of your poster. Be sure that you don’t make the text too small.
- Note that full reference list is not necessary on the poster itself, but in-text citation should be included. The reference list should be included in your report. The citation style to be used is APA 6th and the instructions can be found here: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/01/

There are two sections for the exam. Section 1 is five short answers/definitions out of a choice of seven (worth 50 points total; 10 points per answer). Section 2 is two essays out of a choice of three (worth 50 points total; 25 points per answer). Here are the discussion questions to help you review for your exam. Note that I have added some details and made a few changes to these since they were handed out in class.
Class #7
Class #8
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Class #10

Write a critical reflection on one of the themes of this class. Post your response here when it is completed. Remember to print out and hand-in all your responses on Wednesday June 22.

Write a critical reflection on one of the themes of this class. You may choose to write a response on the film “Up the Yangtze”, which we will watch on Wednesday. Post your response here when it is completed. Please see my last post regarding some changes.

*Note that there is only one required reading for tomorrow. The reason is that there are 3 required ones for the June 20 class.

There have been concerns that there is not enough time to complete the reading reflections before each class. Just a reminder that only 5 responses are necessary, so you do not need to do all of them. The purpose of this activity is so that the course is not so heavily weighted towards tests and exams, and you get a chance to be at home to critically reflect on the readings on  your own time. It is also a chance to demonstrate your knowledge as well as your critical engagement with the course material, especially if your best work (like mine) is not produced in a test setting. I also understand that many of you are working and are occupied with other responsibilities, so with that in mind, I will no longer ask that you submit each response before each class. You may choose to submit them all together at the last class in paper form (June 22nd). I ask that you also post them electronically to the appropriate week here online (in addition to the paper copy). Please let me know if you have any questions or other concerns.

I have the midterm grades from the TA. If you didn’t get an email from me regarding this, you can send me an email for your grade. Also, email me if you have already presented and do not have your presentation grade. If you have any concerns, please send me an email or come see me before class (5-6pm) at SS5030. Have a good weekend!

Your final exam will be on June 27 from 6pm to 9pm at BA 3008 (Bahan Centre). Please let me know if there are any concerns.

Not sure if anyone have begun reading yet, but please note that chapter 5 and 8 of Landscapes of Privilege are required, and chapter 4 is optional. The “optional” label was misapplied in the “Course Readings” section of the website. See my previous post.

Write a critical reflection that focuses on the themes of the readings. Please refer to the syllabus for more instructions on this (200-400 words). This is no longer mandatory, but it will count towards one out of the five sets of reading questions you need to do. (Note that you should complete this prior to class if you choose to do it).

Note that only Chapter 5 and Chapter 8 of the ‘Landscapes of Privilege’ are required readings. The pdfs uploaded here might be a bit difficult to read, so I also attached a link to the book through the UofT library website.

Reminder that your proposal for the final project is due Monday Jun 13.

http://www.hotdocslibrary.ca/en/detail.cfm?filmId=11105

Here is a list of topics and and what you will have to do for the final project. We will talk more about this in class tonight.
Project topics
1. Homelessness and panhandling
-       i. housing crisis
-       ii. Anti-homeless laws
2. Gentrification and displacement
3. Exclusionary Planning/Zoning
4. Producing ‘permanent spectacles’
5. ‘Creative cities’ policy (be specific e.g. urban façade improvement + other public spending to facilitate consumption/gentrification)
6. Social Mixing
7. Poverty Deconcentration/Slum Clearance
8.  Subsidization of businesses (i.e. urban economic development policies such as public-private partnerships, building stadiums, conference centers, etc.)
9. Urban ‘revitalization’ projects
10. Dismantlement of public housing and rent regulations

Project Outline:
1. Define the concept you are studying (using the literature)
2. Define the social problem: Explain how it has affected a particular community, city, or neighbourhood using qualitative/quantitative evidence to describe the extent and depth of the problem (e.g. who & how many people are affected and in what ways?)
a. Through legislative/municipal documents
b. Popular media sources
c. Historical documents/archival data
d. Previous research (e.g. journal articles)
3. Critical analysis: who are the winners and losers? How might the policy affect different groups of people differently? Who are excluded? Who will benefit? Discuss the implications for ‘creative-destruction’ or ‘accumulation through dispossession’.
4. Urban Policy/Community Organizing solutions

Write a critical reflection that focuses on the themes of the readings. Please refer to the syllabus for more instructions on this (200-400 words). This is no longer mandatory, but it will count towards one out of the five sets of reading questions you need to do. (Note that you should complete this prior to class if you choose to do it).

I’ve also updated the “Course Readings” page and labeled all the readings that are optional. Let me know if you have any questions. A reminder also that the proposal for the final project is not due until June 13th and we will have a conversation about this on Wednesday. Take some time to think about what you want to do.

I have also received word that the final exam will be on June 27th from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. Please clear your schedules for that time.