Community Studies Cluster

This cluster explores the nature of the communities we live in, whether defined spatially (such as a neighborhood) or as a set of ties based on sharing a common interest. Building community has become a central debate in a number of social sciences, including sociology, political science, economics, and psychology. In a culture emphasizing individualism and individual rights, how can needs for community and responsibility to others be balanced? Thus, in this cluster, students have the opportunity to gain practical as well as theoretical experience with building communities.

Cluster Coordinator: Ethan Seltzer
Office: URBN 350A
Phone: 725-5169
E-mail: seltzere@pdx.edu

Sophomore Inquiry: Community Studies

This course addresses social structural issues of communities embedded in their spatial, political, and economic contexts. Specific themes that may be explored include (a) community and identity (community formation and change; conflict and cooperation within and between communities; balancing individualism and community; social control), (b) historical development and current conditions of the American city, and (c) balancing individual rights with community responsibility. This SINQ leads to the Community Studies Cluster.

Approved Cluster Courses: Academic Year 08-09

CHLA 301U Chicano/Latino Communities
CHLA 380U Latinos in the Economy & Politics
CHLA 390U Latinos in the Pacific Northwest
CHLA 399U Working with Latino Youth
CHLA 450U Latinos in the Education System
CR 417U Intro to Non Violence
EC 314U Private and Public Investment Analysis
EC 419U Economics of Race and Ethnicity
ENG 410U Literary Utopian Communities
ESR 355U Understanding the Environment
ESR 356U Understanding Environmental Conservation
GEOG 332U Urban Geography
GEOG 410U Urban Natural Resources
GEOG 462U Sense of Place
HST 337U History of American Cities
PHE 444U Global Health
PHE 452U Gender, Race, Class and Health
SOC 420U Urbanization and Community
SOC 436U Social Movements
SP 437U Urban Communication
USP 311U Introduction to Urban Planning
USP 312U Urban Housing and Development
USP 317U Introduction to International Development
USP 385U History of American Cities
USP 399U Introduction to Documentary Methods
USP 425U Community and the Built Environment
USP 426U Neighborhood Conservation and Change