Spring 2005

LAS 381 • CITIES & GOVS IN DEV COUNTRIES

Course Description

This course explores the process of urbanization, urban policy, and local governance in developing countries. A comparative public policy perspective will be adopted and countries from Africa, Asia, and Latin America will be considered. The first element of the course will discuss the global context, including impacts of the international economy and trade. The second element will examine analytical frameworks for studying urbanization, governance, and urban policy and the policy initiatives of the major multilateral institutions. This framework incorporates the public sector, civil society and the interaction of the two in formulating and implementing public policy. The final segment of the course involves the study of specific countries. Using a comparative framework, each student will choose a single country, write a paper on that country, and lead the class in a discussion of it. Students will be evaluated on class participation, a mid-term take home examination, and the term project.

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