UPM-601 History & Theory of Public Places

2 Credits

This course traces the development of concepts of place and practices of "placemaking" and introduces students to major theoretical and primary sources relevant to this new field. The course takes an interdisciplinary approach, drawing from readings primarily in the history and theory of urbanism, but also in urban planning, architecture, the arts, anthropology, and sociology. Readings, lectures, workshop activities, and case studies illuminate the political, social, and ethical stakes of placemaking, to familiarize students with the history of urbanism as it relates to placemaking and to give students the historical and theoretical knowledge necessary to evaluate placemaking proposals.