Seminar 4: Shaping the Future of New York City
Macaulay Honors College at Brooklyn College
Spring 2015
MCHC 2002 – T3HB (16939)
Instructor: Owen Toews
ITF: Lydia Pelot-Hobbs
Tuesdays, 3:40-6:10pm
4129 Boylan Hall
Course description:
The purpose of Seminar 4 is to analyze the ongoing interplay of social, economic, and political forces that shape the physical form and social dynamics of New York City. Each Seminar 4 instructor takes a different approach to the structure and content of the seminar. In this seminar we will examine four major crises – housing, income inequality, climate change, and policing – that are shaping the future of New York City. Throughout the semester, we will consider the proliferation of the word “crisis” and what it may mean in different contexts. For now, we can think of a “crisis” as a set of conditions that has become intolerable, to which there is widespread consensus about the need for a solution, but widely differing opinions on what that solution should look like. We will read a variety of texts – some referencing NYC specifically, some not – to gain insight into these four crises, with an eye to understanding the competing powers, roles, and interests of different social actors in relation to these crises. In particular, we will look at how governments, capital, and community organizations both contribute to and respond to urban crises. Classes will follow a seminar format, in which students’ questions will drive the discussions we have. In addition to weekly reading responses and seminar discussions, the major assignments for this course will contribute to a semester-long neighborhood research project that will culminate in group presentations at the Seminar 4 common event at Macaulay Honors College on May 3 and 4.
Grading:
Course grades will be calculated as follows. (Please note that as this course involves a group project, a portion of your grade will be based on a peer assessment completed by the other members of your group. I will provide assessment forms at the end of the semester.)
- Reading responses/questions 15%
- Neighborhood observation and public meeting reports 15%
- Neighborhood challenge proposal 5%
- Neighborhood challenge report 15%
- Neighborhood planning proposal 25%
- Peer assessment 10%
- Class participation (includes attendance at Seminar 4 Conference) 15%
Brooklyn College Statement on Academic Integrity
Brooklyn College Nondiscrimination Policy
Course Requirements:
● Your attendance and participation in class sessions are critical and mandatory. Participation means that you have completed all required readings, are prepared to engage in thoughtful conversation about the readings, listen to and respond to your colleagues, offer thoughtful commentary, and ask questions. Only three absences are permitted for any reason.
● Please make sure that you know how to access the blog for the course, as course documents are posted on it. Links to all readings are posted on the ‘Calendar’ page (the password is included in your printed syllabus). You should also check the blog on a regular basis, as this is where I will post important course-related announcements.
● Post your work to the course blog by the deadline specified, categorized as specified. If you need an extension, you must communicate with me beforehand and negotiate a mutually acceptable deadline. I will not accept unexcused late assignments and you will receive an F for the assignment.
