Urban & Environmental Policy

Professor Dreier (Politics), Chair
Professor Gottlieb, Director, Urban and Environmental Policy Institute;
Assistant Professor Matsuoka
On Special Appointment: Adjunct Instructor Vallianatos

ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Professors Sadd (Geology), Swift (ECLS); Associate Professors Braker (Biology), Freer (Politics), Lin (Sociology), North (Biology); Assistant Professors Ashenmiller (Economics), Puerto (History)

Occidental’s Urban and Environmental Policy (UEP) program is an interdisciplinary program for students who want to change the world. It combines politics, planning, environmental policy, urban studies, economics, sociology, and other disciplinary approaches. The UEP program recognizes that “urban” and “environmental” are very much interconnected. Topics covered in the program include housing and community development, public health, land use and transportation, food and resource issues, air and water quality, water and energy supply, poverty and social welfare, criminal justice, race and gender and class relations, and other topics at the local, state, national and international levels.

The UEP program is a unique combination of classroom learning and hands-on experience in the field of public affairs and civic action. Students learn the skills of public policy analysis with special emphasis on applying those skills in the real world. It is an intensive major designed for students with a strong interest in such careers as government, law, human services, urban or environmental planning, community organizing, social work, journalism and communications, socially responsible business, or academia.

The goal of Occidental’s UEP program is not simply to produce policy experts, but to educate students to think and to act critically in the realm of public affairs. The program includes careful consideration of ethical issues that arise in the formulation and implementation of public policy. It trains our future leaders how to think critically and act effectively to solve problems and improve society.

Students get involved in the real world of urban and environmental policy through internships in government agencies, political campaigns, grassroots community and environmental organizations, public interest groups, social service agencies, labor unions, and other settings. Students also learn how to conduct practical applied research by working with and for “clients” — typically community groups in the Los Angeles area — under the supervision of faculty.

Students interested in the UEP major should have a strong commitment to public affairs and social change, be interested in working on group projects with other students, and be available to get involved in community activities.

The UEP program is conducted through a series of intensive seminars in the junior and senior years, with introductory courses available in the freshman and sophomore years. These seminars deal with real-world issues. The course of study includes developing skills in public policy analysis, internships, community participation, a research project with an applied policy focus, and leadership training. In addition to the prerequisites and the core seminars, students are encouraged to take electives in a variety of disciplines to sharpen their expertise in different policy areas and approaches.

Another important part of the program will be attendance at luncheons and at meetings with visiting public policymakers, journalists, and other practitioners in addition to regular course work.

Some students may choose to spend the fall of their junior year in Occidental’s Washington, D.C. program, the Occidental-at-the-United Nations program, the Mellon Foundation’s environmental internships, or in one of the fall semester abroad programs sponsored or approved by the college.

During their senior year, students will design and complete a policy-oriented project. This project may take several forms. It can include a traditional research paper, a hands-on policy research report, a group comprehensive project, a study conducted for a community-based “client” group, or others. Students will be encouraged to undertake a project that has an applied focus.

In addition to the coursework, students also have the opportunity to participate in the research, educational, and community-based activities of the Urban and Environmental Policy Institute (UEPI). UEPI is the research and educational program arm of UEP. It serves as the umbrella for a variety of affiliated programs addressing work and industry, food and nutrition, housing, transportation, regional and community development, immigration, land use, and urban environmental issues. UEPI programs seek to link research and action through partnerships with grassroots community, environmental, and labor organizations. UEPI’s mission is to promote a livable, just, and democratic region. Affiliated programs and centers include: the Pollution Prevention Education and Research Center (PPERC), the Progressive Los Angeles Network (PLAN), the Migration Policy and Resource Center, the Sustainable Landscape Project, the Center for Food and Justice, the Re-envisioning the Los Angeles River Program, ArroyoFest, the Race and Politics Project, and Eco-Oxy/Eco-L.A. UEPI provides exciting opportunities for students to participate in real-world research, community action, and policy arenas. Information about UEPI is available at www.uepi.oxy.edu.

MAJOR: All students majoring in Urban and Environmental Policy are required to take the following courses in the freshman or sophomore year:

• UEP 101
• Economics 101 (or another Economics course approved by the chair)
• Politics 101
• One methods course (Geology 150, Politics 103, Sociology 305, Math 150, Biology 368, or another course approved by the program director)

For their college science requirement, we encourage UEP majors to take at least one of the following:

• Biology 107 (Biodiversity)
• Biology 120 (General Ecology)
• Geology 105 (Physical Geology)
• or another course approved by the program director

Students majoring in UEP are required to take the following courses:

• UEP 301 (Urban Policy and Politics) (sophomore or junior year)
• UEP 310 (Community Organizing and Leadership) (junior or senior year)
• UEP 311 (Community Internship) (junior or senior year)
• UEP 410 (Controversies in Policy and Politics) (senior year)
• UEP 411 (Applied Public Policy Practicum) (senior year)

Students majoring in UEP should take two electives after discussion with their advisor. These electives can include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Economics 301 (Environmental Economics and Policy)
• Economics 308 (Economics of the Public Sector)
• Economics 324 (Economics of Immigration)
• Economics 328 (Economics of Race and Gender)
• History 206 (History of American Women)
• Politics 201 (Congressional Politics)
• Politics 204 (Environmentalism: Past, Present, and Future)
• Politics 206 (Race and American Politics)
• Politics 207 (Los Angeles Politics)
• Politics 208 (Movements for Social Justice)
• Politics 260 (Work and Labor in America)
• Religious Studies 240 (Religion and Social Reform)
• Religious Studies 347 (Religion and the U.S. Supreme Court)
• Sociology 250 (Race and Ethnicity in American Society)
• Sociology 325 (Crime and Deviance)
• Sociology 330 (Political Sociology)
• Sociology 350 (Social Movements and Revolutions)
• Sociology 360 (Urban Sociology)
• Sociology 420 (Immigration to the U.S. from Mexico and Central America)
• UEP 246/247 (Environmental Problem-Solving)
• UEP 304 (Community-Based Research)
• UEP 305 (Public Health: Community and Environment)

WRITING REQUIREMENT: Students majoring in UEP will satisfy the final component of Occidental College’s writing requirement by successfully completing UEP 301. Students should familiarize themselves with the departmental requirement at the time of declaring the major. See the Writing Program for additional information.

HONORS: Students are required to have an overall grade point average of 3.25. See the Honors Program and contact the program chair for more information and specific requirements.

MINOR: Students can select to minor in Urban and Environmental Policy. The minor consists of Environment 101 or Politics 101; Biology 105, Biology 120, or Geology 105; and three other courses at the 200 level and above in the UEP program.

101. ENVIRONMENT AND SOCIETY.

This is an introductory course on environment and society, designed for students with an interest in urban and environmental issues who might want to pursue further studies in Urban and Environmental Policy or an IPS. It is also offered for those who are interested in the topic even though they will be pursuing another major. The course will include lectures and presentations in several different topical areas; films and speakers that provide insight into the environmental problems and alternative solutions, including those based here in Los Angeles; and class discussions and presentation sessions on the readings and topics. There are five topical areas for the class: water issues (where our water comes from); wastes and hazards issues (sources and impacts of pollution); transportation and land use issues (where we work and live and commute); nature in the city (the urban environment); and food system issues (where our food comes from and how it is manufactured and sold).

Matsuoka
CORE REQUIREMENT MET: GROUP 5

POLS 204. ENVIRONMENTALISM: PAST, PRESENT, AND FUTURE.

The course presents a broad view of the roots of environmentalism, including the relationship of environmentalism with respect to issues of class, race, gender and ethnicity. It situates the history, present day circumstances, and future direction of the environmental movement within the broader study of environmental topics and methods. It also provides the background to better understand the significance of this crucial social movement and how it has addressed the complex relationships between urban, industrial, and natural environments.

Matsuoka

POLS 208. MOVEMENTS FOR SOCIAL JUSTICE.

Examination of the impact that social protest movements have had on our society—and lessons that can apply to the current period. Case studies of the agrarian revolt (the Populists), the labor movement, the women’s movement, the civil rights movement, the peace movement, the student movement, the environmental movement, and the consumer/neighborhood movement. Topics include: What factors lead people to participate in social movements and political protest? Why do certain historical periods seem to feature large-scale protest and upheaval, while others do not? How are social and political movements related to mainstream politics, such as elections, political parties, voting, and lobbying? What is the role of leaders, activists, and organizers? What strategies and tactics do movements employ? What does “success” mean for a protest movement? Do protest movements make a difference in achieving more social justice and changing public policy? In addition to classroom discussion, attendance at a weekly film series is required.

Not given in 2007-2008
CORE REQUIREMENT MET: GROUP 5

246/247. ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEM-SOLVING.

This course is the classroom component to the Environmental Stewards Program. This program seeks to improve the sustainability of the Occidental Campus while providing training in environmental leadership. Students enrolled in the class serve as Environmental Stewards for the College and work closely with the Occidental administration to reduce water and energy use, improve recycling, increase environmental awareness and initiate positive environmental changes on campus. During the course of the year, students will learn about the role of science and information in addressing environmental problems, leadership and group dynamics, environmental education and outreach, environmental justice and techniques for building coalitions to address environmental problems. The course is a community-based learning course, with the campus as the community.

2 units each
Vallianatos

POLS 260. WORK AND LABOR IN AMERICA.

Sooner or later, we all have to work – that is, get a job. Some people even have “careers.” And some people are lucky enough to consider the work they do a “vocation” – something that is both intrinsically rewarding and useful to society. Work occupies our best waking hours. For most people, the nature of our work determines the quality of our daily lives. This course will focus on the varieties of work (in different industries and occupations); how people experience their work on the job; how society shapes the work we do; how work shapes our family lives, our friendships, our health, and our self-esteem; and how the nature of work is changing in our increasingly global economy dominated by large corporations and sophisticated technology. The course will look at the future of work in the context of our changing economy, values, and technologies. We will pay particular attention to how organized groups – labor unions, consumer groups, business associations, and others have influenced the nature of work. We will also explore how government action (public policy) has shaped how our economy works and the rules governing the work we do. These include such matters as wages, hours, flex time, family leave, job security, workplace health and safety, the quality of goods and services, and workplace participation. We will explore such questions as: What makes work satisfying or unsatisfying? How have such ideas as “professional,” “career,” “working class,” “middle class,” and “job security” changed? Why do we have increasing problems of low-wage work and even “sweatshops” in a wealthy society? How do such factors as education, skill, race, and gender influence the kinds of work we do and how we experience our work? What are the chances of getting injured or sick because of working in a specific job? How do people balance work/career and family responsibilities? Do people experience work the same way in other democratic countries? What can be done to make the world of work better?

Dreier
CORE REQUIREMENT MET: GROUP 5

301. URBAN POLICY AND POLITICS.

Seminar focusing on the following topics: Origin and development of cities, suburbs, and urban areas. Urban social problems, including poverty, housing, transportation, crime and violence, pollution, racism, and neighborhood change. Urban and environmental politics, including the role of business, citizens’ groups, community organizations, the media, mayors, and other sectors. The role of city planning and planners. Conflict and cooperation between cities and suburbs. Problems of urban sprawl, loss of open space, water and energy resources. Federal urban policy and the role of cities in national politics. Comparative analysis of American cities with cities in Europe, Canada, and the developing world. Public policies to solve urban problems.

Dreier

304. COMMUNITY-BASED RESEARCH: URBAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROJECTS AND INTERNSHIPS.

This is a course that connects community-based experiences with classroom learning to gain knowledge and skill in community-based research methods. The course is based on a learning process where research informs action and action informs the research process. Students in the class participate in community-based group research projects and internships to explore environmental, economic, social, and political issues in Los Angeles communities. Through project internships combined with classroom discussion and skills building, students will learn multiple research methods and develop innovative approaches to presenting research findings. Projects selected will be based on existing programs that have an urban and environmental focus with specific research and organizational development needs and supervised by the faculty member and related community organization.

Matsuoka

305. PUBLIC HEALTH: COMMUNITY AND ENVIRONMENT.

This course explores the nation’s public health challenges, the epidemiological basis of public health, and ways that public health functions as a combination of science and politics. The course examines the special vulnerabilities of low income and medically underserved populations who often work, reside, attend school, and play in neighborhoods with disproportionate exposures and poor quality medical care. The goal is to acquaint students with current public health issues, especially as they concern community, societal, and environmental influences on health and well being.

Not given in 2007-2008

310. COMMUNITY ORGANIZAING AND LEADERSHIP.

Seminar focusing on the following topics: Techniques of grassroots empowerment, particularly in urban settings. Developing leadership skills for citizen participation and problem solving. Using the media. Building coalitions. Choosing issues. Doing action-oriented research. Understanding the relations of power. Mobilizing constituencies. Developing a community-oriented public policy agenda. History of community organizing in the U.S. Comparison between community development, social work, and direct action organizing approaches. Must be taken simultaneously with UEP 311.

Dreier

311. COMMUNITY INTERNSHIP.

This course provides opportunities for applying and learning through direct experience about the practice of community organization and leadership. Each student will work with a community-based organization engaged in influencing public policy for approximately 12-15 hours each week. Students will be supervised jointly by the faculty member and a staff person for the community organization. Must be taken simultaneously with UEP 310.

Dreier

397. SPECIAL TOPICS IN URBAN AND ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY.

Tutorial and Internship for junior or senior majors in Urban and Environmental Policy and other related disciplines under arrangement with faculty. Prerequisite: permission of instructor.

2 or 4 units
Staff

410. CONTROVERSIES IN POLICY AND POLITICS.

Intensive study of the making of national and local public policy in the U.S., including the political environment in which policy debates take place. Extensive use will be made of case studies on a variety of domestic and international issues. Policy papers, debate, and discussion. Students will participate in the development of a major research project on an individual or group basis.

Gottlieb

411. APPLIED PUBLIC POLICY PRACTICUM.

Seminar to organize and complete a senior project demonstrating competence in applied public policy. The form and format of each student’s project will vary. All students will make a presentation of their project and will critique each other’s project.

Gottlieb and Matsuoka