2017-2018 Academic Catalog 
    
    Mar 29, 2024  
2017-2018 Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

ID 104 - Experiencing the American City


This course will take a phenomenological approach to “experience the city,” to how people feel the city, while seeking to grow fundamental skills to enhance and develop the ability of students to appreciate, feel, and do grounded work in the city. The course will be divided into four modules: 1) Working in the City; 2) Observing the City; 3) Researching the City; 4) Feeling the City. The first module delves into the meaning of becoming a professional working in cities by showing potential professional pathways to students relying on the real-life experience of Clark alumni, and exploring mentorship and summer internship opportunities. The second module will focus on enhancing students’ “natural observation” abilities, a fundamental skill of good urban planners. The third module will focus on the basics of formulating good (applied) research questions about urban problems. The final module will touch upon some of the rich expressions, symbols, and images which urban life inspires by examining literary, musical, and culinary arts in the city. The course will rely on field work in some cities of Massachusetts. Students interested in working in multicultural, multi-ethnic environments and with diverse populations are particularly encouraged to take the course, as well as students of diverse ethnic/racial and social backgrounds.

Program of Liberal Studies (PLS) Designation: VP

Anticipated Terms Offered: -