Abstract
The paper considers the philosophical ruminations of Lewis Mumford and uses early American communities as an example of how the "urban world" has contributed to scientific and technological advancement. The paper also discusses how urban communities have historically fostered the vigorous exchange of ideas. Further, the paper addresses the unexpected ways in which contemporary concepts like "environmental design" owe their beginnings to the creation of the urban ecology. As well, the paper brings to light the extent to which the exigencies of the growing urban community, the curious culture of such communities, and the social and occupational reification of the urban world make scientific and technological breakthroughs possible - and exploitation of human beings and the natural world possible, as well. The paper concludes that some of the best and most pernicious elements of our present world have their wellsprings in the rise of the urban ecosystem.

From the Paper
"For many decades, academic demographers have reminded North Americans that their world is becoming an increasingly urban one. The result of this urbanization has been the slow death of the traditional farming community (to say nothing of the traditional "family farm") and the rise of congested megalopolises that have become, for all intents and purposes, their own self-contained worlds. With the above in mind, the following paper will explore how the "urban world" has contributed to scientific and technological advancement over time. In doing so, the philosophical..."

Tags:urban, society, innovation

Abstract
This paper describes Ebenezer Howard's role in the advancement of urban planning. The author points out that Howard understood the necessity of asserting control over urban development. The paper further describes Howard's belief that controlling urban development improves city life, enhances productivity, increases efficiency and reduces the socioeconomic and political problems that uncontrolled urbanization produced. The paper relates that Howard believed that the negative aspects of urbanization could be minimized and eventually eliminated through logical urban planning to which he devoted his life.

From the Paper
"In analyzing the advancement of urban planning, it is evident that innovative urban thinkers, like Ebenezer Howard, understood the vital importance of promoting and achieving effective urban development. Throughout the centuries, most cities expanded outward from their central core in a haphazard fashion in response to a variety of short-term economic, social and geographical factors. As this random process unfolded, cities became sprawling urban areas in which the quality of human life steadily declined, economic productivity suffered, and social and political tensions became chronic problems. "

Tags:urban, planning, founder

Abstract
This paper is an in-depth examination of the Third World urban crisis. The paper looks at high population growth rates and growing immigration into urban areas that are causing huge problems for public services and governmental control of urban growth. The paper examines the informal sector of the economy, in which most urban poor are employed, together with possible suggestions on how to deal with the urban problem.

From the Paper
"As a whole, the Third World urban population is growing at the rate of 4% per year. This is three times the urban growth rate of First World countries. Latin America and East Asia are almost as urbanized as the western world, as nearly 50% of their people live in cities with 500,000 or more inhabitants. As the new century begins, more than 20 of the world's cities will have a total population of 10 million or more. With the exceptions of Tokyo, Los Angeles, New York, Osaka and Moscow, most of them will be in the Third World. The largest First World agglomerations were the world's biggest in the 1940's, but are now smaller than much bigger Third World rivals such as Mexico City and Sao Paulo."

Tags:issues, problems, thirld, urban, world, growth, immigrant, population, rates, govermental, public, poor, services, economic

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to explore, through the three examples of Germany in the Weimar Republic, China and New York, how different types or classes of people have claimed and used urban space in ways that challenged expectations and, in fact, defined urban modernity in these areas. This discussion supports the hypothesis that the relationship between state, political and cultural constructs of space can have very different outcomes when brought into the light of the real world and how people really live in urban areas.

From the Paper
"Part of the project of modernism has been to design spaces that promote order harmony and civic identity, yet urban landscapes become contested turf for various groups laying claim and appropriating them for their own use. The purpose of this paper is to explore through the three examples of Germany in the Weimar Republic, China and New York, how different types or classes of people have claimed and used urban space in ways that challenged expectations and in fact defined urban modernity in these areas..."

Tags:modernism, Weimar Republic, urban planning, housing, architecture, public spaces, globalization, culture, urban communities.

Abstract
This paper examines the problems various pests, such as Canada Geese, pigeons and rats, cause in urban environments. Each pest is dealt with in separate sections of the paper. The negative effects of these pests on the urban ecosystem and on businesses is discussed. The author concludes by stating that wildlife is part of the urban environment. Human beings will be required to take an increased financial role in the process of maintaining buildings and the urban landscape.

From the Paper
"Pigeons are another animal that have created many problems for city officials because there is such an abundance of them. They are often considered to be pests or vermin because they do things like spread disease, damage property, leave feces all over city landmarks, and scare away more desirable bird species from the city. Pigeons are often talked down on, being called "rats with wings" and other derogatory names. While pigeons do remain tourist attractions in many cities, because often tourists will want to feed them, this does not take away from the negatives that they produce"

Tags:ecosystem, urban habitat, property damage

Abstract
This paper examines and critiques two articles that deal with urban space and its primary features. The first of the two articles presents some of the main concepts and ideas by which Urban Spatial Structure can be understood. The second of the two articles presents a review of Canadian urban social geography and what it suggests about the state of the Canadian urban landscape and about our present course in housing and social policy. The paper analyzes the pros and cons of both articles and suggests both are worthwhile additions to the literature.

Tags:urban, space, concepts

Abstract
This paper presents an in-depth discussion of urban sprawl and its many negative impacts on urban areas. These include increases in traffic related problems, negative environmental impacts, greater demand on the resources and services provided by municipalities and even social segregation. Toronto is used as an example of a city that has been experiencing urban sprawl.

From the Paper
"Urban sprawl has had many negative impacts on urban areas, like increase traffic related problems, negative environmental impacts, greater demand on the resources and services provided by municipalities and even social segregation. Toronto has been experiencing urban sprawl. A more sustainable city development would include concepts such as revitalizing the city core, developing more high-density housing and mixed-use land planning, more focus on public transit or other environmentally friendly modes of transportation."

Tags:briefing note, urban sprawl, toronto

Abstract
This seven page paper examines urban planning issues. Because the rapid growth and expansion of cities in the twentieth century appears to have gone unchecked, modern urban centers are plagued by a variety of social problems. The paper suggests that many of these social problems can be reduced and even eliminated through effective urban planning policies.

From the Paper
"Recreating Urban Environments through Urban Planning Because the rapid growth and expansion of cities in the twentieth century appears to have gone unchecked, modern urban centers are plagued by a variety of social problems. In contemplating ways to recreate urban environments as viable and sustainable places for decent living, recreation, and creativity, it is evident that many of these social problems can be reduced and even eliminated through effective urban planning policies. Transforming blighted, sprawling urban areas into vibrant, thriving communities would entail significant short-term costs, but it is undeniable that the chronic social problems caused by uncontrolled urbanization in the United States have required municipal, state, and federal government officials to spend hundreds of millions of dollars in attempts to resolve these problems."

Tags:urban, planning, issues

Abstract
This paper focuses on the urban immigrant in the United States. It further discusses the sociological aspects of the urban immigrant. The paper discusses the issues of industrialization, culture, assimilation within society, the loss of jobs and discrimination against native minorities in the United States. It also discusses the changing sphere of sociological beliefs in relation to urban immigrants.

From the Paper
"The lives of immigrants in the United States, and how those lives relate to the American society, is dependant upon several factors that culminate before and after arrival in this country. Sociologists perceive that there is a difference in an immigrant's survival in the United States if they elect to come here, or if they were brought here by force because of issues that were life threatening, or placed in exile by their homelands. The possibility of success for immigrants is further weighed against factors such as education, ability to speak English, connection to family, and the economic resources available. With the greatest number of immigrants to the United States selecting urban areas as home, these factors become significant within American cities."

Tags:immigration, urban, sociology

Abstract
This paper presents a review of literature on urban youth crime. The paper discusses a number of aspects relating to the topic including depression and urban delinquency, school bonds and delinquency, family practices and urban delinquency reform.

From the Paper
"This literature review, concerning the topic of juvenile delinquency in urban areas, addresses the following relevant areas: introduction to juvenile delinquency in urban areas, depression and urban delinquency, school bonds and urban delinquency, parent and family practices and urban delinquency, social influences of urban delinquency, multiple causes of urban delinquency, urban delinquency reform and summary and conclusions. Juvenile delinquency in urban areas is higher than juvenile offending in other neighborhoods and these rates are higher..."

Tags:urban, youth, crime