Class attendance and participation:

Attendance is mandatory. Additionally, students are required to attend three sessions scheduled outside of class on September 13, October 4, and November 8 (all Wednesdays from 3:00-4:30). They must also acquire basic web-authoring skills (or attend a Vassar instructional workshop on this topic) on their own time by November 8.
10% of final grade.

Assignment 1:

Report on Poughkeepsie's urban ecology. Students will work in groups of 2-3, conducting research in the field (i.e., taking individual trips into Poughkeepsie) and on-line, but are responsible for turning in individual reports.
15% of final grade.

For instructions to assignment 1, click here.

Assignment 2:

Report on the the Jacobs-Gans debate on the built environment and urban vitality. Students will work in groups of 2-3, analyzing Census data to evaluate Jane Jacobs' Greenwich Village and Herbert Gans' West End, but are responsible for turning in individual reports.
15% of final grade.

For instructions to assignment 2, click here.

In-class exercise (November 9th):

5% of final grade.

Assignment 3:

Website on themed spaces. Students will work in groups of 2-3 and be collectively graded on a website presenting political economy and semiotic analyses of a contemporary themed space.
15% of final grade.

For instructions to assignment 3, click here.

 

Assignment 4:

CANCELLED.

Midterm exam:

Take-home essay questions.
20% of final grade.

Final exam:

Take-home essay questions.
25% of final grade.

Academic accommodations are available for students with documented disabilities. Please schedule an appointment with the instructor early in the semester to discuss any accommodation that may be needed for the course. All accommodations must be approved through the Office of Disability and Support Services (ext. 7584) as indicated in their accommodation letter.