Section A05: American Cities / American Suburbs
This seminar explores Americans' love/hate relationship with cities and suburbs through the lenses of architecture, urban planning, literature and history. What can we learn from looking at the buildings, roads and public spaces that surround us? How has the development of cities and suburbs illustrated American ideas about community, independence, family, gender and race? How have American settlement patterns, attitudes and design principles have changed over time? What are some current ideas about how to redesign the American metropolis? On a personal level, how has the American built environment influenced the rhythms of our daily lives as well our broader visions of a good life? Have you been shaped by the shape of your hometowns? By learning more about cities (especially Boston and New York) and suburbs (especially Norton, Massachusetts), you will think deeply about where you may move after graduation.