CSP 19 Los Angeles from Local to Global

Los Angeles is referred to as a collection of neighborhoods as well as a global city, an important node in the global economy. This course explores Los Angeles’ built environment, natural and open spaces, and role as a global city by examining its neighborhoods, history, geography, and political economy. The course draws from interdisciplinary perspectives from sociology, political science, environmental science, economics, critical theory, urban planning, and urban design. The course provides a framework for examining and understanding cities and the urban structures, systems, and processes that define them. Through lectures, readings, films, speakers, class discussions and field trips, students will gain a greater understanding for the rich complexities of Los Angeles and a critical perspective on the past, present and future of cities.