As you know this class depends heavily on the World Wide Web. Previous classes were fun but we did encounter some frustrations giving the in-class presentations. We never have enough time! Therefore, your web pages will be due-posted on the website, no later than May 2, 2003. This will give us the last week for you to examine them and discuss them in class.

Because I do not know everything about the cities of the world, we will share our knowledge and work to make the class enjoyable for everyone. Fortunately, we have a textbook to provide some guidance. The textbook is Cities of the World by Brunn and Williams. I have made an effort to travel to many cities around the world so I will share my experiences and information with you. I also want to give each of you a chance to share your knowledge of cities around the world. Therefore, please sign up for one of the times devoted to a place you have been. In addition, I want to take advantage of the many international students on campus so, whenever possible I want to have them speak to us about their experiences in their home region and its cities. Because you know more students than I do, i will rely on you to suggest students to invite.

The course paradigm is that we live in an urban system that connects essentially all parts of earth's land surface into a hierarchial system. Further the present system is the result of the interaction between the expanding commercial/industrial city system based in the European core and its interaction with a range of regional urban systems that were administrative and commercial but not industrial. Thus, the present pattern has both economic and technologic components that are modified in important ways by regional cultures.

In addition to taking a few short tests on the readings, your primary task will be to create a website on a city OUTSIDE of the United States. The creation of a website is essentially publishing your work. Look back at previous student work to get ideas. Julia Spencer will help you create and design your website. With her help you will be able to create your own home page and link it to the department's home page.

In order to facilitate our workload we will meet as a combination seminar and lecture class. Our format will vary according to our material and task.

Your grade will be based on your research project and its presentation as a website, tests and class participation. The project will be worth 60% of your grade. Those of you who have not taken geography previously MUST submit a topic outline and rough draft. Your papers have to reflect geographic theory, methodology and content. Two tests, a Midterm and Final will be worth 15% each. The remaining 10% will be set aside for participation in the class.

Class attendance is required. I will allow three absences. All days missed over three days without prior excuse will result in a reduction of your grade by 5% per day.

Do not disrupt the class by coming late. If you cannot get up on time, sleep to noon and have a nice brunch.

Taught by Professor David Lanegran email at lanegran@macalester.edu

Macalester College 1600 Grand Avenue St. Paul, MN 55105

phone 651.696.6504 fax 651.696-6116