Abstract The writer of this article notes that Robert Lewis, in "A City Transformed: Manufacturing Districts and Suburban Growth in Montreal, 1850-1929", and Richard Harris, in "Industry and Residence: The Decentralization of New York City, 1900-1940", deal with the phenomenon of suburbanization in two large North American cities within time frames overlapping the early 20th century. The writer points out that both authors' analyses of changes in residential settlement, industrial relocation, and the restructuring of the urban and suburban landscapes along class lines represent a radical revision of the traditional conceptual models of the processes of suburbanization. The writer maintains that both of these articles are primarily descriptive as opposed to theoretical. It is only when one considers them in terms of the article they later jointly authored - "The Geography of North American Cities and Suburbs, 1900-1950" - that one may see how explicitly their revisionist perspectives, foreshadowed in these earlier articles, have challenged prevailing theoretical models of suburbanization in North America.
Outline:
Introduction
New York and Montreal: Key Findings
The Findings in their Larger Theoretical Context
Conclusion
From the Paper "The findings that the move to the suburbs in both Montreal and New York City during the late 19th and early 20th century was comprised of working class people represents a critical distinction between this phase of suburbanization and the more well-known later 20th century model. For example, in the 20th century settlement in the suburbs was seen as a means of escaping low-income housing. In a number of American cities, a racial dimension was added to this class distinction, as the suburbs became areas to which the blue-collar white workers and the white middle-class resettled from the inner city, which was left to the African American working class. Studies of cities such as Detroit have found that these industrial suburbs are notably "hostile" to Black settlement; a factor that adds the complications of race and ethnicity to class in explaining settlement patterns and the processes of suburbanization."
Abstract This paper explores the nature of the City of the Angels looking at a very mixed bag of primary sources about the nature of commerce and the city. The paper also looks at how the city has been defined by the nature of 20th century and now 21st century capitalism. It also looks at the way the suburb has been defined by capitalism and the ways in which Los Angeles as a city that cannot exist or be understood in isolation, has also been defined by the economics of suburbs and by the ways in which the bright promise of a city on the edge of the continent becomes so easily tarnished.
From the Paper "We may borrow an opening line of a famous Russian novel and bend it to our own purposes, we might say that while every city is unhappy in its own ways, every suburb is unhappy in precisely the same way. This aphorism that we have just coined may help us to understand the history of the city of Los Angeles ? although the history of this great American city is in fact one of the most difficult of all urban histories to write. It is difficult to talk about the nature of this city because it is not exactly a city ? if one's model of a city is a place like New York City that is. But it is also a difficult city to define and to describe if one is attempting to describe it as a suburb. For while in the popular imagination Los Angeles may be nothing more than a suburb (although one imagines that its reputation for being a suburb is one based, again, in East Coast sensibilities), it is not in fact a classic bedroom community. Los Angeles is both suburb and city, both Dream Factory and home, a city of significant and fascinating contradictions."
Tags: ethnic, struggle, natural, disaster, capitalism, city, american, image
Abstract This paper reviews a series of short essays dealing with the changing face of American cities compiled in the book, "The New American City Faces its Regional Future: A Cleveland Perspective". The paper explains how the book, which contains essays from several different authors while focusing primarily on the future of Cleveland in the new world order, also has a very national perspective and speaks at length about the problems of urban centers across the country. The paper discusses Part One and Part Two of the book and summarizes the authors's opinions regarding Cleveland's present situation, the role of Cleveland's city hall, and top-down style reform. The paper also summarizes how the authors deal with the reconstruction of a city and the need for mandatory regional government that overrides the local rule of suburbs.
From the Paper "Two basic situations were appraised by all of the writers in the first half of the book. The first had to do with the staggering inequality that coincides here with a deeply segregated living arrangement. Cleveland is apparently among the top five most segregated urban centers in the country, and the reason for this phenomenon is explored by all. The second issue is that of urban sprawl, with each author suggesting a course of action that might revitalize the inner city."
Abstract This paper is a review of "Roughing It in the Suburbs". The review discusses Korinek's approach, and points out both the value of and the serious problem with this book. She does not succeed, and the explanation for her failure is explained.
Abstract This paper discusses Phenix City in Russell County, Alabama, otherwise known as "Sin City, USA." The paper discusses the history of illegal activity in Phenix City and how the city became a haven for criminals. The paper then goes on to describe the efforts to clean up Phenix City and how its image has begun to evolve over time. The paper concludes by discussing the name of the city, "Phenix."
Table of Contents:
I. A.K.A.
"Once Known as "Sin City"
II. Commonplace Sins
A Haven for Hellish Activities?
Cleaning Up Phenix City III. The name, "Phenix"
Excuses and Reasons
From the Paper "Hugh Bentley, a layman, decided to try to fire the churches into action against the sin and criminal activity in 1946. Bentley stressed that Phenix City's problem was a moral one and that until the moral breakdown was changed, things would not improve. January 9, 1951, Bentley's house was blown up with thirty-six sticks of dynamite, however, neither he nor any of his family was seriously injured."
"In 1954, Albert Patterson, a sixty-year-old Phenix City lawyer, adopted his campaign crusade to be cleaning Phenix City's gambling machine. At this time, Phenix City was described by Life Magazine as the "wickedest city in the United States, . . . everything from gambling to murder to arson to fraud." (Ibid.) June 1, 1954, Patterson won the Democratic primary."
Abstract This paper illustrates the issues of large urban port cities as seen in Dublin and New York City. The paper provides an in-depth history of each city and compares the social issues of the urban environment, ethnic diversity, poverty and crime.
From the Paper "New York City is generally considered the doorway to America. It is the largest city in the nation, seven million strong, and a main hub of financial activity. This is probably the most racially and ethnically diverse of the large American cities, the epitome of the melting pot. A third of the population is of African descent, fifteen percent are Jewish, twelve percent Hispanic. Other ethnic populations have a vocal presence, including the Irish, Italian, Chinese, Korean, Indian, and other Asians. If one city has represent urban America over the last 200 years, it would be the harbor city of New York, New York.
" Across the Atlantic ocean lies another city, a little farther from the ocean, though not much. It is the "fair city" of Dublin, that capitol of the Republic of Ireland. This is a fairly heterogeneous city, for it is the center of 4,000 year old struggle for cultural sanctity and independence. The vast majority of the citizens are Irish or British nationals, Christian and white. Most are Roman Catholic, and the largest "minority" are the British Protestants. One fourth of the citizens of Ireland, approximately 900,000 souls all told, now live in Dublin and its suburbs, and its name is becoming synonymous with Irish culture and tradition."
Tags: dublin, new, york, city, urban, city, cities, port, social, issue, environemnt, ethnic, diversity, poverty, crime
Abstract A look at the discovery of Panama and the beginnings of Panama City. The paper discusses how the city was strategically placed and how, with the canal, it has developed into an important metropolitan city of South America. History of the city since the 1500's is surveyed. The paper deals with the series of foreign rulers and explorers who controlled the city.
From the Paper "In 1501, Spanish explorer Rodrigo de Bastidas discovered Panama in South America, which soon became a major point of dispersal for Spanish conquest and settlement in the New World (Preston 47). But of much greater value to the colonizers at the time was the City of Panama, then the capital of Castilla del Oro (later renamed into the Isthmus of Panama), and discovered in 1519 by Pedro Arias de Avila. The Isthmus served as a passage of advantage to Spanish ships between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans and between continents (Preston 46) in their sea exploration and conquest activities. Panama City's importance derived exclusively from its control of that passage or route (Blouet 726) ? from the City, expeditions set out for the conquest of the Pacific side of Central America up to Nicaragua and that of the entire South American west coast up to Chile (Blouet 729)."
Abstract This six page undergraduate paper examines the impact of technology on cities. The author notes that the impact of computer technology on cities has been significant, especially over the last ten years, for the tremendous expansion of e-commerce is transforming the retail shopping habits of millions of city residents. The writer points out that instead of shopping in the retail districts or suburban shopping malls of cities, many people are staying at home and shopping by computer. Further the writer notes that this is driving many metropolitan area stores out of business, which is producing a series of cause-and-effect developments which are altering cities in numerous ways.
From the Paper "The impact of computer technology on cities has been significant, especially over the last ten years, for the tremendous expansion of Internet e-commerce is transforming the retail shopping habits of millions of city residents. Instead of shopping in the retail districts or suburban shopping malls of cities, many people are staying at home and shopping by computer. This is driving many metropolitan area stores out of business, which is producing a series of cause-and-effect developments which are altering cities in numerous ways. For example, when "brick and mortar" stores go out of business, cities lose important sales tax revenue because people are not spending money in local stores."
Abstract This paper discusses the role of public administration in five different American cities. The cities examined include Columbia, Missouri; Bozeman, Montana; Denver, Colorado; Fargo, North Dakota; and Yuma, Arizona. Different aspects of each city are discussed, including an examination of city organization and governmental structure.
From the Paper "Public administration within the context of any city can take on a variety of forms. A number of organizational structures and functions are relatively common, such as fire and police protection. However, some cities have specialized needs and must develop organizational systems capable of meeting those needs and providing for the citizens of the city. These special needs often are developed outside the standard organizational structure of the city's administration functions. This is evident when we consider the Storm Water Task Force, developed as a special committee in the city of Columbia, MO. In 2001, the city council of Columbia authorized the Public Works department in the city to create a new task force that would deal specifically with storm water issues and agendas (Willett)."
Abstract A thorough history of the city of Fez, Morocco. The author examines the religions present in the city, and their influences upon each other as well the architectural designs of the city. Includes a timeline of the major events of the city.
From the Paper "The city of Fez is located in north-central Morocco, east of the capital city, Rabat. It is roughly 150 miles south of the Mediterranean and 150 miles inland from the Atlantic coast. Sited in a valley of the Middle Atlas Mountains and fed by the Wadi Fez River, the city has an excellent environment to prosper in. The lack of adverse natural conditions has caused the city to become a cultural, religious and commercial center in Morocco. Its location at the intersection of several important trade routes has kept the city one of the most technologically advanced in Africa. What has kept this city in such high regard by the millions of Muslims who visit it every year and the 570000 people who reside there? (www.i-cias.com) The answer lies in the rich history of Fez. "
Tags: africa, architecture, city, europe, history, islam, jew, madrasa, mosque, muslim
Abstract The following discussion will focus on city hall design in the last half of the twentieth century. The focus will be on the city halls of Kitchener, Mississauga, Ottawa and Toronto. Initially, a brief history of Canadian city hall architecture and an outline of the International style will be presented. Subsequently, the four projects will be briefly described and analyzed. A concluding section will offer some qualitative comments and assess the broader meaning of these projects.
Abstract In this article, the writer examines the emergence of global city regions. The writer also looks at policy implications and issues. The characteristics of global city regions are discussed. The writer also examines changes in the world economy. This paper also demonstrates structural and socio-economic realities of global city regionsand provides examples.
From the Paper "As the world economy becomes increasingly globalized with information capital and people flowing seamlessly across international borders, a new phenomenon has arisen that is the embodiment of this new economic reality at the local level the global city region. As national borders become less distinct, city borders have followed suit. In order to compete in the global economy, cities are increasingly eschewing their borders and realizing that by leveraging their entire region they can provide a more attractive product to ever more discerning international business interests. Global city regions are ... "
Tags: global city regions, development, globalization
Abstract This paper discusses the basis for a technologically innovative and creative city. It discusses the importance of new technologies as a top-level priority in America, who remains a world leader in new sciences, which can creatively used to help advance humankind. The paper describes how this new city would help to lure foreign investment and researchers into a city that is ecologically safe and efficient.
From the Paper "Geography: The New Technological City I. Introduction: This city planning study will seek create a city that relies heavily on the new technology sector innovation, which has been part of the burgeoning economy in America. The American dream is about invention, and technology is the new way that Americans need to express their freedoms, as well as their ability to create modern advancements. By creating a city that is 'artist friendly' not only will people flock to help build this project; they will help to manufacture the tools and ecological means to make it sustainable. In this manner, the infrastructure of this new city will be the result of forging innovative creativity in the technology sector, which will be self-sustaining due to the availability of land, resources, and money management."
Abstract Saint Augustine presented the idea that faith and understanding (in the broad and narrow senses) go hand in hand. Because of this, his teachings were that to understand life, one must have faith, and to have faith, one must pursue an understanding of life. Augustine has proved to be one of the most influential thinkers in European and western history. While still a teenager, Augustine converted, became a priest, then the leader of the Church in North Africa, and, before he became Bishop and his writing career was virtually choked off, Augustine was a prolific producer of scriptural scholarly works. The "City of God", which was written between the years 413 and 426, was Augustine's response to the criticism leveled at Christianity by the pagans after they had sacked Rome in 410. This work represents Augustine's most significant contribution to Western religious thought and, like many personalized texts, takes on the Aristotelian method of posing questions to the self in an argumentative fashion and systematically refuting and explaining away each.
