Reports the experiences of the Institute of Portland Metropolitan Studies at Portland State University (Oregon), formed seven years ago in an effort to connect higher education resources to critical issues facing communities in a six-county metropolitan area. Eight lessons learned concerning the institute's role, its operation, staffing, local…

This report describes the Urban Economics Program at the University of California, Santa Barbara; presents copies of research reports on public policy developed by program participants; and includes summaries of lectures on efficient pricing, microeconomics, mathematical programming, production function, political decision-making, marginal utility…

Students in an honors urban class collected architectural data on all residential buildings constructed prior to 1950 in the city of La Puente, California and made recommendations regarding the preservation of certain structures. The project is described. (RM)

Reported is how junior high school students, prompted by the construction of a local housing authority scheme, produced an information booklet for new residents which covered the history, facilities, and services of the community. Outlined are procedures, activities, problems, and results. (DC)

Describes an approach to teaching urban studies, in which students are required to complete an environmental impact study. Examines the social, economic, and environmental issues that this approach uncovers, and reports the outcomes of its application in an urban studies class at the University of Akron. (JP)

Asserts that community service-learning holds the potential to enhance the sociology curriculum. Contends that the programs are not implemented easily and difficulties arise trying to integrate academic content with the community experience. Describes a community service-learning course, discusses typical problems, and suggests solutions. (CFR)

Illustrates a model for integrating urban fieldwork into a human geography class project. Reports on a project in which students explored the interaction between Atlanta (Georgia) and its five target suburbs, and their interactions among each other. (CMK)

This directory provides detailed information on 64 university urban programs across the nation and Canada. The descriptions are organized according to state, and each includes information on the following topics: (1) general program information (program head, establishment date, organization description, current funding source, and distribution of…

All levels of government influence urban studies because of legal jurisdictions and control of funding sources. Selected U.S. and Canadian federal level agencies and organizations are described in terms of their activities and involvement in urban affairs and their assistance, through grants and programs, to urban studies. Use of "The…

The Small Area Statistics (SAS) are a standard set of census statistics for small areas throughout Great Britain. The SAS are a valuable teaching resource with many different applications. As an illustration, how the SAS were used to prepare college students in an urban geography course for fieldwork is described. (RM)

Describes an interdisciplinary program which uses simulation to investigate social, cultural, economic, and political dimensions of environmental change. Summarizes the underlying process, outlines topics and activities for each of the four phases of the program, and presents one sample activity for each unit. (DC)

Until recently, many students channeled concern for social and environmental issues into extracurricular and volunteer activities. More are now transforming these interests into full-time academic pursuits, majoring in environmental studies, international development, urban studies, and other community-service-oriented disciplines. (MSE)

In an effort to put into action an increased interest in interdisciplinary teaching at the higher education level, a model for interdisciplinary instruction was designed and used for a seminar on ancient urbanization and city development. The model for the seminar used what Robin Fogarty has termed "webbed" likening this perspective to…

The anthropological study of the city's role in the evolution of human systems requires the use of both macro and micro levels of analysis. From the macro perspective, the city is viewed as part of a wider complex society, while from the micro point of view, the city provides the context for understanding specific human institutions or processes…

The described learning modules are designed for use of inservice teachers and graduate students at all grade levels who are interested in sociological aspects of education. The primary focus is on creating awareness and understanding of prevalent attitudes, goals, and aspirations in urban communities. The scope and sequencing of topics in the…