M 9:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., Anderson Hall, Room 153
This seminar examines the city as a palimpsest and complex assemblage through the illumination of urban and environmental histories. As anthropologist Anna Tsing writes "patterns of unintentional coordination develop in assemblages. To notice such patterns means watching the interplay of temporal rhythms and scales in the divergent lifeways that gather." With Southeast Texas and the Gulf Coast as the site of focus, students will investigate processes of urbanization from the late 19th century through the 20th century. We will explore the relationship between past and present by gathering and documenting evidence of city-making from various perspectives, including the hydrological, ecological, infrastructural, social, and cultural. Through this research, students will develop case studies that critically reflect on the relationship between city and nature across scale and time.
The course exposes students to design research methodologies relevant to the study of the city, landscape, and urbanization. In addition to reading discussions, in-class presentations, and tutorials, the seminar requires students to explore beyond the classroom including visits to the selected archives and independent fieldwork.
Qualified non-architecture students welcome with instructor permission.