Intro Lecture 1 - City Perspectives v2

URSI 100 - Introduction to the City

Module Overview

• Instructor: Professor Miriam Porter

• Focus on: Various perspectives defining cities.

Understanding Cities

• Common Associations with Cities:

  • Roads

  • Pollution

  • People

  • Congestion

  • Buildings

  • Crime

  • Entertainment

  • Isolation

  • Diversity

  • Resources

• Categorization of Perspectives:

  • Some perspectives are positive, some negative, and some neutral.

  • Reflects the diversity of views and experiences related to urban areas.

Traditional Perspectives of Cities

Historical Views

• Thomas Jefferson’s Perspective:

  • Described cities as "sores on the body politic" and a "necessary evil."

  • Emphasized the need for individual rights and compromise for public good.

Contrasting Perspectives

• German Proverb:

  • "City air makes men (and women) free."

  • Moving to the city from rural areas allows individuals to break free from traditional customs and establish their identities.

• Source Reference: Both perspectives are discussed in the course textbook.

Other Perspectives of Cities

A. Music and Urban Life

• Influence of Music on City Perspectives:

  • Music reflects societal beliefs about cities.

  • Recommended Songs:

    • "Down Town" by Petula Clarke:

      • Evokes feelings of escape and enjoyment in the city.

    • "Sounds of Silence" by Simon & Garfunkel:

      • Highlights feelings of coldness and isolation in urban settings.

B. Legal Status of Cities

• Cities as Legal Entities:

  • Cities function as legal corporations governed by local government boards, similar to business corporations.

  • Responsibilities include:

    • Providing health, safety, and welfare for the community.

• Legal Terminology:

  • City: Denotes legal status rather than size.

  • There are "large cities" and "small communities" for differentiation.

• Codes and Regulations:

  • Cities set zoning ordinances and building codes determining land use and structure regulations.

City Services

• Service Availability Across City Sizes:

  • Regardless of size (small or large), cities offer similar services:

    • Police

    • Fire protection

    • City planning

  • Example:

    • Madelia, MN (population: 2,308) and Minneapolis, MN (population: 382,578) both provide comparable services.

• Mandated Services:

  • Many city services are required by state statutes, ensuring consistency across varied populations.