Community-Engaged Course Name: ECON 351: Urban Economics

 

Tentative Community Partners: HELP, Inc.; Newport News Green Foundation; Hampton Roads Urban Agriculture; Literacy for Life; Virginia Organizing

 

Course Description: Students analyze the economic factors that have given rise to the formation of urban centers. We discuss what makes them unique and study urban problems such as poverty, crime, homelessness and housing conditions, traffic congestion, and urban growth. Students also participate in a community engagement activity and reflect on this service (20 hours). Students reflect on the service activity in such a way as to gain a further understanding of course content, a broader appreciation of the discipline, a deeper understanding of community concerns, and an enhanced sense of civic responsibility.