URBNST 0310 - REGIONAL ECONOMIC GROWTH STRATEGIES IN APPALACHIA

Minimum Credits: 3
Maximum Credits: 3
This is an advanced Urban Studies & Sociology seminar about the challenges facing metropolitan regions of Appalachia. The Appalachian region is considered a 'left behind' region, where area deprivation and distress are exacerbated by structural changes to the US and global economy. The challenges facing Appalachia's communities are profound, and yet hopeful signs exist at the intersection of place-based and people-based policies. To deepen our understanding of the processes affecting metropolitan Appalachia we evaluate development from an endogenous perspective, building community strengths from existing assets. We do this by implementing an asset map approach to understanding Fayette County. Each course module uses a range of empirical and conceptual material, and the course features several interactions with guest speakers. We will emphasize how to understand the practical issues of implementing urban and regional policies throughout the course, focusing on Fayette County and the Pittsburgh region. All of this will help you become more independent and critical thinkers about a) where the current challenges of metropolitan Appalachia arise, b) how the economic development of Appalachian communities can be enhanced, and c) how the consequences of metropolitan change can best be understood.
Academic Career: Undergraduate
Course Component: Seminar
Grade Component: Letter Grade

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