This paper will include the following:
1) A statement introducing your position
2) Three well-founded and informative arguments that support your position
3) One argument against your position that you refute
4) A conclusion
Example:
The Atlantic Yards stadium should not be built! The idea to build a stadium is ill-conceived, expensive and harmful to an already over-crowded community.
Bruce Ratner bought the New Jersey Nets not because he was a basketball fan but because he wanted a reason to build a money-making stadium in Brooklyn. Ratner plans to build this stadium at one of the busiest and most dangerous intersection in the entire city. It is already incredibly dangerous to cross the street at the corner of Atlantic and Flatbush and here Ratner wants to add 10 new apartment buildings and a stadium that will attract drivers from all over New York City and New Jesrsey! The children playing in the area will be at risk and the traffic will create new air pollution!
Bruce Ratner is receiving tax breaks to build an un-needed project for the city of New York. Mayor Bloomberg and the Governor Patterson are actually using taxpayers’ money to support this project when we are in a recession and our schools budgets are getting slashed!
Bruce Ratner is trying to convince the city the neighborhood in which he wants to build is “blighted” and that the government should use the power of eminent domain to kick people out of their homes! This was a well-kept neighborhood with a mix of luxury and middle and low income apartments that Ratner has bought out and torn down, now blighting the community! Ratner has blighted the area that was once a completely viable neighborhood! Now he wants to claim that the area is useless except for his project.
People are excited about the idea of professional sports coming back to Brooklyn but what they don’t understand is that Ratner doesn’t even care about sports. He is using the arena as an entry-point into building luxury condominiums that help no one but the already well off.
As a long-time community resident I am strongly opposed to Bruce Ratner’s plans to build this arena. The city should stop the plans and leave the community as it is. The money the tax payers are giving towards this project should be diverted towards social services.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
What is the greater good for the Gowanus?
Overview:
The Gowanus area is at a crossroads. Developers, Mayor Bloomberg, environmentalists, community activists, factory-owners, artists, and long-time residents are all trying to figure out what is the Greater Good for the neighborhood. A Community Meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at the Secondary School for Research where these different groups will get to debate their points of view. As part of this debate, you will be arguing against a group of highly active citizens – environmentalists, developers, factory-owners and workers, and long-time residents who have either been living in and/or making art in the area for up to 20 years.
The Task:
On December 22 you will be debating as part of a group of concerned citizens. Your task is to develop the most informed, persuasive argument that you can for use in the debate. You will demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the topic by writing a one-page position statement, and through your participation in the debate.
Your Grade:
You will receive both an individual grade (70%) and a group grade (30%) for your preparation and participation in the debate.
The Individual grade will be based on a combination of your one-page position paper and your personal contribution during the debate. For this part of your assessment you will be graded both on your verbal contribution during the debate 1) how much you speak, 2) how persuasive you are in using evidence, 3) accuracy and knowledge, and 4) professionalism.
The group grade will be based on how well your group works as a team during the debate. For this part of the assessment you will be graded on 1) teamwork – how well group members support each other, 2) how many group members participate (both actively in the debate but also as content support)
The Gowanus area is at a crossroads. Developers, Mayor Bloomberg, environmentalists, community activists, factory-owners, artists, and long-time residents are all trying to figure out what is the Greater Good for the neighborhood. A Community Meeting will be held on Tuesday, December 22, 2009 at the Secondary School for Research where these different groups will get to debate their points of view. As part of this debate, you will be arguing against a group of highly active citizens – environmentalists, developers, factory-owners and workers, and long-time residents who have either been living in and/or making art in the area for up to 20 years.
The Task:
On December 22 you will be debating as part of a group of concerned citizens. Your task is to develop the most informed, persuasive argument that you can for use in the debate. You will demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the topic by writing a one-page position statement, and through your participation in the debate.
Your Grade:
You will receive both an individual grade (70%) and a group grade (30%) for your preparation and participation in the debate.
The Individual grade will be based on a combination of your one-page position paper and your personal contribution during the debate. For this part of your assessment you will be graded both on your verbal contribution during the debate 1) how much you speak, 2) how persuasive you are in using evidence, 3) accuracy and knowledge, and 4) professionalism.
The group grade will be based on how well your group works as a team during the debate. For this part of the assessment you will be graded on 1) teamwork – how well group members support each other, 2) how many group members participate (both actively in the debate but also as content support)
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Gowanus HW 1-3
- Read Artical "On the Waterfront" and fill out the Worksheet.
- Complete Speaker 1 Analysis Worksheet
- Complete Speaker 2 Analysis Worksheet
Monday, November 30, 2009
Neighborhood Photo Essay Project Due 11/30
Your final project is the day we return from Turkey-Day Vacation. Remember we are having a presentation day in class!!!
Predictions Summary
Example Overview: PREDICTIONS
Park Slope is in its Third Wave of Gentrification. It is hard to imagine that the neighborhood could get much more upscale. Before the recession hit the country, Park Slope was developing along Fourth Avenue into Third Avenue, and south towards Twentieth Street. Now that we are in an economic downturn I predict that development will occur at a slower pace. This does not mean that the neighborhood will not continue to develop however. I believe that once the economy picks up that the area will continue to attract residents with upper-middle-class incomes, and that the upscale shops and restaurants and expensive housing will continue their spread. I hope that the diversity of people that live in the neighborhood south of Ninth Street and along Fourth Avenue remains, and, because these areas are last to develop, perhaps it will be so. I believe Park Slope will continue to be a desirable place for families because of its excellent schools, parks and other amenities. Unless there is a huge shift, I believe that more and more people will be migrating to Brooklyn to live and that Park Slope has developed the reputation for being an excellent place to settle down. This means that the neighborhood will only become more crowded, more popular and more expensive. Buy now! That’s the way to stay.
OUTLINE: HOW TO WRITE PREDICTIONS
Which trends in your neighborhood do you think will continue?
Which trends do you think will end or reverse?
Who do you think will live in your neighborhood in 5, 10, 15 years?
What do you think is best for the neighborhood and the people who live in it?
Park Slope is in its Third Wave of Gentrification. It is hard to imagine that the neighborhood could get much more upscale. Before the recession hit the country, Park Slope was developing along Fourth Avenue into Third Avenue, and south towards Twentieth Street. Now that we are in an economic downturn I predict that development will occur at a slower pace. This does not mean that the neighborhood will not continue to develop however. I believe that once the economy picks up that the area will continue to attract residents with upper-middle-class incomes, and that the upscale shops and restaurants and expensive housing will continue their spread. I hope that the diversity of people that live in the neighborhood south of Ninth Street and along Fourth Avenue remains, and, because these areas are last to develop, perhaps it will be so. I believe Park Slope will continue to be a desirable place for families because of its excellent schools, parks and other amenities. Unless there is a huge shift, I believe that more and more people will be migrating to Brooklyn to live and that Park Slope has developed the reputation for being an excellent place to settle down. This means that the neighborhood will only become more crowded, more popular and more expensive. Buy now! That’s the way to stay.
OUTLINE: HOW TO WRITE PREDICTIONS
Which trends in your neighborhood do you think will continue?
Which trends do you think will end or reverse?
Who do you think will live in your neighborhood in 5, 10, 15 years?
What do you think is best for the neighborhood and the people who live in it?
Personal Neighborhood Connection Summary
Example Overview: PERSONAL NEIGHBORHOOD
Walking down the street in Park Slope I am bound to run into someone that I know, be it an acquaintance or a good friend. It is rare that I take a straight path home because I want to dip into any number of stores or coffee shops, to grab a cup of tea, a coffee, or to say hello to someone. When I moved here 15 years ago it was hard to imagine that this neighborhood, let alone NYC, would ever feel like home, but it has become so. Park Slope is the place where I matured into an adult, where I became truly independent, and where I began building my private New York.
Over the 15 years that I have lived here I have seen the neighborhood change a great deal. Fifth Avenue has sprouted into a boutique store and restaurant mecca, the rents have gotten much higher, and the amount of young families has at least doubled. Its hard to believe that the “fancying up” of Park Slope has happened, as the neighborhood when I moved here was still affordable for a young person making very little money in a non-profit job. At that time there were more mom-and-pop shops, and more of a funky vibe that has all but disappeared. Still, there are things that have remained the same, and for which I am thankful. Prospect Park continues to be a haven for all of the communities that surround it, and the neighborhood maintains its community feel – whether that means organizing block parties, watching any number of parades down Seventh Avenue, or just going out on errands and seeing people stopping to chat with each other on the sidewalk.
Park Slope holds numerous places that have become part of my personal landscape and where I have developed layers of memories. Like all people, the memories I hold are both joyful and painful, but that just makes my experience in the area all the more rich. I am grateful for what the neighborhood has offered me and am glad that after so many years I am still living here.
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OUTLINE: HOW TO WRITE ABOUT THE PERSONAL NEIGHBORHOOD
Include the following details in personal neighborhood piece:
What you like to do in the neighborhood
How long you have lived there
Whether or not you feel a part of your community
Why the neighborhood is important to you (if it is)
FEEL FREE TO ADD OTHER DETAILS THAT ARE IMPORTANT TO YOU
Walking down the street in Park Slope I am bound to run into someone that I know, be it an acquaintance or a good friend. It is rare that I take a straight path home because I want to dip into any number of stores or coffee shops, to grab a cup of tea, a coffee, or to say hello to someone. When I moved here 15 years ago it was hard to imagine that this neighborhood, let alone NYC, would ever feel like home, but it has become so. Park Slope is the place where I matured into an adult, where I became truly independent, and where I began building my private New York.
Over the 15 years that I have lived here I have seen the neighborhood change a great deal. Fifth Avenue has sprouted into a boutique store and restaurant mecca, the rents have gotten much higher, and the amount of young families has at least doubled. Its hard to believe that the “fancying up” of Park Slope has happened, as the neighborhood when I moved here was still affordable for a young person making very little money in a non-profit job. At that time there were more mom-and-pop shops, and more of a funky vibe that has all but disappeared. Still, there are things that have remained the same, and for which I am thankful. Prospect Park continues to be a haven for all of the communities that surround it, and the neighborhood maintains its community feel – whether that means organizing block parties, watching any number of parades down Seventh Avenue, or just going out on errands and seeing people stopping to chat with each other on the sidewalk.
Park Slope holds numerous places that have become part of my personal landscape and where I have developed layers of memories. Like all people, the memories I hold are both joyful and painful, but that just makes my experience in the area all the more rich. I am grateful for what the neighborhood has offered me and am glad that after so many years I am still living here.
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OUTLINE: HOW TO WRITE ABOUT THE PERSONAL NEIGHBORHOOD
Include the following details in personal neighborhood piece:
What you like to do in the neighborhood
How long you have lived there
Whether or not you feel a part of your community
Why the neighborhood is important to you (if it is)
FEEL FREE TO ADD OTHER DETAILS THAT ARE IMPORTANT TO YOU
Character of Neighborhood Summary
Example Overview: CHARACTER OF GREENPOINT
Greenpoints’ character changes depending upon which part of the neighborhood you are in. If you are walking along Manhattan Avenue from Greenpoint Avenue towards Newtown Creek, you will see a mix of young hipsters, Polish residents and Puerto-Rican old timers. People often are hanging out in front of stores, talking to friends, often with a dog, speaking in English, Spanish or Polish. It is not an uncommon site to see older women with scarves tied around their heads pushing shopping carts of groceries, or on their way to one of the large Catholic churches in the community. The industrial past of Greenpoint is evident everywhere you look – old factory buildings line the water’s edge and piles of lumber still exist ready to be picked up by construction workers. The side streets are primarily residential with small wooden or stone walk-up homes, trees and fences. The commercial streets have a mix of Polish bakeries, 99cent stores, and fancy boutiques. Southern Greenpoint has more new development and is closer to McCarren Park where all neighborhood residents use the fields to play soccer, softball, or in the case of the young hipsters, dodgeball. On summer weekends Greenpoint is a crowded attraction, though it is not uncommon to walk some of the more industrial streets during a weekday and feel as if you are the only person who exists in the world.
OUTLINE: HOW TO WRITE ABOUT THE CHARACTER OF YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD - Include the following details in your character overview:
What do you see when you are walking down the street?
Who do you see when you are walking down the street?
Where do people hang out and what do they do while hanging out? (shop, eat, sit on stoops, play ball, hang-out, barbecue, block parties, get their hair done, argue, stay inside etc.)
Languages spoken
Types of shops
Where there are residences, businesses and factories
If its noisy or quiet, empty or crowded
What types of buildings you can see (single-family homes, apartment buildings, housing projects, two-story walk-ups, etc.)
What makes your neighborhood unique?
Greenpoints’ character changes depending upon which part of the neighborhood you are in. If you are walking along Manhattan Avenue from Greenpoint Avenue towards Newtown Creek, you will see a mix of young hipsters, Polish residents and Puerto-Rican old timers. People often are hanging out in front of stores, talking to friends, often with a dog, speaking in English, Spanish or Polish. It is not an uncommon site to see older women with scarves tied around their heads pushing shopping carts of groceries, or on their way to one of the large Catholic churches in the community. The industrial past of Greenpoint is evident everywhere you look – old factory buildings line the water’s edge and piles of lumber still exist ready to be picked up by construction workers. The side streets are primarily residential with small wooden or stone walk-up homes, trees and fences. The commercial streets have a mix of Polish bakeries, 99cent stores, and fancy boutiques. Southern Greenpoint has more new development and is closer to McCarren Park where all neighborhood residents use the fields to play soccer, softball, or in the case of the young hipsters, dodgeball. On summer weekends Greenpoint is a crowded attraction, though it is not uncommon to walk some of the more industrial streets during a weekday and feel as if you are the only person who exists in the world.
OUTLINE: HOW TO WRITE ABOUT THE CHARACTER OF YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD - Include the following details in your character overview:
What do you see when you are walking down the street?
Who do you see when you are walking down the street?
Where do people hang out and what do they do while hanging out? (shop, eat, sit on stoops, play ball, hang-out, barbecue, block parties, get their hair done, argue, stay inside etc.)
Languages spoken
Types of shops
Where there are residences, businesses and factories
If its noisy or quiet, empty or crowded
What types of buildings you can see (single-family homes, apartment buildings, housing projects, two-story walk-ups, etc.)
What makes your neighborhood unique?
Trends Summary
Example Overview: TRENDS OF GREENPOINT
Like much of New York City, Greenpoint has been changing a great deal in the past ten years. Prior to the late 1990s, the most prevalent trend in Greenpoint was immigration. Greenpoint was the neighborhood with the highest population of Polish residents in all of New York City, and anyone walking the Greenpoint streets would see Polish bakeries, restaurants, stores and the Polish language on many signs. While there is still a strong Polish presence, the neighborhood’s demographics have recently changed quite a bit. Starting in the late 1980s, young artists and students began to make their way into the largely abandoned and run-down loft spaces alongside the East River and Newtown Creek. This was the first wave of gentrification, and while Greenpoint wasn’t speeding through the process as fast as its neighbor, Williamsburg, the new population was still laying down its roots. McCarren Park, the park that separates Greenpoint from Williamsburg began to be developed with condominiums in the early 2000s, and this change greatly impacted the community. Young people wishing to move to rapidly gentrifying Williamsburg found that Williamsburg was too expensive, and therefore looked to Greenpoint as a more affordable option. Prior to the recession of late 2008, Greenpoint looked as though it would go the way of its next-door neighbor – homes were being renovated, restored and new condominiums were bringing in residents with a higher income. Boutique clothing stores, high-end coffee shops, restaurants and bars, as well as independent bookstores began to sprout in Greenpoint. Though the recession has stopped gentrification’s spread for now, the neighborhood is primed and ready for more newcomers when the economy picks up.
OUTLINE: HOW TO WRITE A TRENDS OVERVIEW
Description of trends you can see while visiting the neighborhood
When these trends began to appear in the area
Any reasons for why these trends are occurring
How the trends are impacting the neighborhood (bringing new people in, or upgrading the neighborhood, or displacing people, or diversifying the neighborhood, etc.)
Like much of New York City, Greenpoint has been changing a great deal in the past ten years. Prior to the late 1990s, the most prevalent trend in Greenpoint was immigration. Greenpoint was the neighborhood with the highest population of Polish residents in all of New York City, and anyone walking the Greenpoint streets would see Polish bakeries, restaurants, stores and the Polish language on many signs. While there is still a strong Polish presence, the neighborhood’s demographics have recently changed quite a bit. Starting in the late 1980s, young artists and students began to make their way into the largely abandoned and run-down loft spaces alongside the East River and Newtown Creek. This was the first wave of gentrification, and while Greenpoint wasn’t speeding through the process as fast as its neighbor, Williamsburg, the new population was still laying down its roots. McCarren Park, the park that separates Greenpoint from Williamsburg began to be developed with condominiums in the early 2000s, and this change greatly impacted the community. Young people wishing to move to rapidly gentrifying Williamsburg found that Williamsburg was too expensive, and therefore looked to Greenpoint as a more affordable option. Prior to the recession of late 2008, Greenpoint looked as though it would go the way of its next-door neighbor – homes were being renovated, restored and new condominiums were bringing in residents with a higher income. Boutique clothing stores, high-end coffee shops, restaurants and bars, as well as independent bookstores began to sprout in Greenpoint. Though the recession has stopped gentrification’s spread for now, the neighborhood is primed and ready for more newcomers when the economy picks up.
OUTLINE: HOW TO WRITE A TRENDS OVERVIEW
Description of trends you can see while visiting the neighborhood
When these trends began to appear in the area
Any reasons for why these trends are occurring
How the trends are impacting the neighborhood (bringing new people in, or upgrading the neighborhood, or displacing people, or diversifying the neighborhood, etc.)
Monday, November 23, 2009
First Summar - History and Introduction Due 11/23
Example Overview: INTRODUCTION TO and HISTORY OF GREENPOINT
The neighborhood of Greenpoint is situated at the very northern end of the borough of Brooklyn. It is separated from Queens by a three-mile long body of water called Newtown Creek, which at one point was as busy an industrial waterway as the entire Mississippi River. Greenpoint is actually a peninsula, surrounded by water on three sides. Along with Newtown Creek to the north and the East River to the neighborhood’s west, Bushwick Inlet lies to the south, dividing the area from its neighboring community, Williamsburg. Water has played a large role in the history of the neighborhood, from the time that the Lenape Indians fished along Newtown Creek’s shores, to the Industrial Revolution when the port of New York housed numerous factories on the bank of Greenpoint. Walking along the streets of Greenpoint today it is easy to see the neighborhood’s industrial history. Abandoned factories stand side by side with small manufacturing businesses. Newtown Creek remains one of the most polluted bodies of water in the country due to a great amount of illegal dumping of toxic chemicals during its industrial heyday. However, despite this blight on the community, the neighborhood is thriving. The water treatment plant has just been remodeled, and along with it a new city park has been built. The area holds a strong Polish community that own many shops and restaurants, and attend several large and beautiful churches. In addition, for the past ten years the area has been gentrifying, and a walk along Manhattan Avenue today will bring you past Thai restaurants, boutiques and organic grocery stores. Still, the most compelling feature of the neighborhood is Newtown Creek itself. While it is hard to imagine what it was like when many barges were going back and forth, carrying goods such as lumber, oil, glass and sugar, the creek remains the neighborhood’s focal point and reason for being.
OUTLINE: HOW TO WRITE AN INTRODUCTION AND HISTORY OVERVIEW
Where your neighborhood is located in Brooklyn (south, north, east, west, middle)
Basic geographical features (next to water, landlocked, hilly, flat, etc.)
Why the neighborhood developed (for example: industrial history, or a “bedroom community” for commuters to Manhattan, or farmland that turned into residences)
What remains of the history of the neighborhood today (old buildings, or
undeveloped land, or old shops, or brownstones built to house wealthy, early commuters)
Who has lived in the area over the years
A quick summary of how the neighborhood has changed
Any interesting facts
The neighborhood of Greenpoint is situated at the very northern end of the borough of Brooklyn. It is separated from Queens by a three-mile long body of water called Newtown Creek, which at one point was as busy an industrial waterway as the entire Mississippi River. Greenpoint is actually a peninsula, surrounded by water on three sides. Along with Newtown Creek to the north and the East River to the neighborhood’s west, Bushwick Inlet lies to the south, dividing the area from its neighboring community, Williamsburg. Water has played a large role in the history of the neighborhood, from the time that the Lenape Indians fished along Newtown Creek’s shores, to the Industrial Revolution when the port of New York housed numerous factories on the bank of Greenpoint. Walking along the streets of Greenpoint today it is easy to see the neighborhood’s industrial history. Abandoned factories stand side by side with small manufacturing businesses. Newtown Creek remains one of the most polluted bodies of water in the country due to a great amount of illegal dumping of toxic chemicals during its industrial heyday. However, despite this blight on the community, the neighborhood is thriving. The water treatment plant has just been remodeled, and along with it a new city park has been built. The area holds a strong Polish community that own many shops and restaurants, and attend several large and beautiful churches. In addition, for the past ten years the area has been gentrifying, and a walk along Manhattan Avenue today will bring you past Thai restaurants, boutiques and organic grocery stores. Still, the most compelling feature of the neighborhood is Newtown Creek itself. While it is hard to imagine what it was like when many barges were going back and forth, carrying goods such as lumber, oil, glass and sugar, the creek remains the neighborhood’s focal point and reason for being.
OUTLINE: HOW TO WRITE AN INTRODUCTION AND HISTORY OVERVIEW
Where your neighborhood is located in Brooklyn (south, north, east, west, middle)
Basic geographical features (next to water, landlocked, hilly, flat, etc.)
Why the neighborhood developed (for example: industrial history, or a “bedroom community” for commuters to Manhattan, or farmland that turned into residences)
What remains of the history of the neighborhood today (old buildings, or
undeveloped land, or old shops, or brownstones built to house wealthy, early commuters)
Who has lived in the area over the years
A quick summary of how the neighborhood has changed
Any interesting facts
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Check out this Link!
This link has good examples of how to write photo captions.
http://www.urban75.org/photos/newyork/greenpoint-brooklyn.html
http://www.urban75.org/photos/newyork/greenpoint-brooklyn.html
Neighborhood Photo Project Checklist
Step One: Information Gathering
I have read my neighborhood essay and highlighted turning points
I have visited the Brooklyn history blog and viewed the sites about my neighborhood, specifically “Forgotten New York” and the NY Times links
I have searched Google Images for photographs of my neighborhood’s past and present
I have looked through family photographs for old photos of my neighborhood
I have found historical photographs of my neighborhood that I can use
I have read Wikipedia information about my neighborhood
Optional:
I have done further research about my neighborhood’s history
Step Two: Photo Walk
I have chosen the route I will walk around my neighborhood
*Tip: using the neighborhood essay map is helpful
I have figured out which camera I will use for my walk
I have taken my photo walk
I have completed my note-taking sheet
I have reviewed my photographs to see if they cover the topics I need to cover for my project
If needed, I have taken extra photos
Step Three: After the Walk
I have downloaded my photographs to the computer
I have saved my photographs on a flash drive or CD
*Tip: see Mr. Salak if you need a CD
Step Four: Organizing Information
I have categorized my photographs into the topics on the assignment outline
After categorizing my photos according to the outline, I have chosen the best photographs to use to tell my neighborhood’s story
*Tip: DON’T use all of your photographs – only the ones that best tell your neighborhood story
I have written comments about each of the photographs I have chosen
I have put my photographs in the order I want to discuss them
I have read my neighborhood essay and highlighted turning points
I have visited the Brooklyn history blog and viewed the sites about my neighborhood, specifically “Forgotten New York” and the NY Times links
I have searched Google Images for photographs of my neighborhood’s past and present
I have looked through family photographs for old photos of my neighborhood
I have found historical photographs of my neighborhood that I can use
I have read Wikipedia information about my neighborhood
Optional:
I have done further research about my neighborhood’s history
Step Two: Photo Walk
I have chosen the route I will walk around my neighborhood
*Tip: using the neighborhood essay map is helpful
I have figured out which camera I will use for my walk
I have taken my photo walk
I have completed my note-taking sheet
I have reviewed my photographs to see if they cover the topics I need to cover for my project
If needed, I have taken extra photos
Step Three: After the Walk
I have downloaded my photographs to the computer
I have saved my photographs on a flash drive or CD
*Tip: see Mr. Salak if you need a CD
Step Four: Organizing Information
I have categorized my photographs into the topics on the assignment outline
After categorizing my photos according to the outline, I have chosen the best photographs to use to tell my neighborhood’s story
*Tip: DON’T use all of your photographs – only the ones that best tell your neighborhood story
I have written comments about each of the photographs I have chosen
I have put my photographs in the order I want to discuss them
Recommended Outline for the Photo Essay
Part 1 – The story of your neighborhood
a. History
b. Present Trends – including signs of gentrification
c. Current Development
d. Character of Neighborhood
Part 2 – The story of you and your neighborhood
a. First Impressions
b. Personal and Community Landmarks
Part 3 – Predictions and Reflections
a. Signs of what’s to come for your neighborhood
b. Places you think might disappear
c. Current Development
d. Commentary – how you feel about what you observe happening in your neighborhood
a. History
b. Present Trends – including signs of gentrification
c. Current Development
d. Character of Neighborhood
Part 2 – The story of you and your neighborhood
a. First Impressions
b. Personal and Community Landmarks
Part 3 – Predictions and Reflections
a. Signs of what’s to come for your neighborhood
b. Places you think might disappear
c. Current Development
d. Commentary – how you feel about what you observe happening in your neighborhood
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Neighborhood Walk Assignment - Due 11/18
Assignment:
Choose a route in your neighborhood that you will walk while photographing places of interest that help define your neighborhood’s identity. You may use the ideas and terms you studied in the Park Slope and gentrification units, and build on these concepts to capture the character of your neighborhood, its trends, development, history, landmarks and places you predict might disappear. Notice whether or not your neighborhood shows signs of gentrification. Observe and photograph the neighborhood with these topics in mind, and remember, neighborhoods do not all share the same trends. Be thoughtful when identifying the specific qualities of your neighborhood. Follow these steps toward the completion of the portfolio assignment.
Steps:
1. Figure out what camera you will use: Determine whether you have a USB cable to go with your camera. If you do, use that camera. If you do not, see if you can share a camera with a friend from class; then coordinate a schedule with him or her to borrow his or her camera. Tell your teachers what camera you will use before the walk. If you do not have one, your teachers will discuss arrangements with you individually.
2. Choose landmarks to photograph: designated landmark(s) (city, state or national), community landmarks that are a focal point of life in your neighborhood (parks, churches, stories, pizza shops) and personal landmarks that holds personal significance just for you. You may change your mind and use different landmarks once you go on the walk.
3. Determine in class and at home which street route you will walk: Your route should be for an area that takes at least a half-hour to walk.
4. Complete the neighborhood walk: Make sure to take many photos of buildings, people, landmarks and overall, what goes on in your neighborhood.
5. Complete the neighborhood walk handout sheet during the walk. You will use this to write your labels and, later on, an essay. Bring it to class with your photos to show your teacher.
Due Date to bring in your pictures from the photo walk: Wednesday, November 18, 2009.
6. Download the photos to the school laptops and, if possible, your computer at home.
7. Select the photos to use in your photo and text presentation.
8. Label the photos as you have been taught.
Note: We will cover each step in-class on a consistent basis. Please make sure you are in class everyday or find out what you missed.
Choose a route in your neighborhood that you will walk while photographing places of interest that help define your neighborhood’s identity. You may use the ideas and terms you studied in the Park Slope and gentrification units, and build on these concepts to capture the character of your neighborhood, its trends, development, history, landmarks and places you predict might disappear. Notice whether or not your neighborhood shows signs of gentrification. Observe and photograph the neighborhood with these topics in mind, and remember, neighborhoods do not all share the same trends. Be thoughtful when identifying the specific qualities of your neighborhood. Follow these steps toward the completion of the portfolio assignment.
Steps:
1. Figure out what camera you will use: Determine whether you have a USB cable to go with your camera. If you do, use that camera. If you do not, see if you can share a camera with a friend from class; then coordinate a schedule with him or her to borrow his or her camera. Tell your teachers what camera you will use before the walk. If you do not have one, your teachers will discuss arrangements with you individually.
2. Choose landmarks to photograph: designated landmark(s) (city, state or national), community landmarks that are a focal point of life in your neighborhood (parks, churches, stories, pizza shops) and personal landmarks that holds personal significance just for you. You may change your mind and use different landmarks once you go on the walk.
3. Determine in class and at home which street route you will walk: Your route should be for an area that takes at least a half-hour to walk.
4. Complete the neighborhood walk: Make sure to take many photos of buildings, people, landmarks and overall, what goes on in your neighborhood.
5. Complete the neighborhood walk handout sheet during the walk. You will use this to write your labels and, later on, an essay. Bring it to class with your photos to show your teacher.
Due Date to bring in your pictures from the photo walk: Wednesday, November 18, 2009.
6. Download the photos to the school laptops and, if possible, your computer at home.
7. Select the photos to use in your photo and text presentation.
8. Label the photos as you have been taught.
Note: We will cover each step in-class on a consistent basis. Please make sure you are in class everyday or find out what you missed.
Photo Essay Project - Due 11/30
WHERE IS YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD AT? WHAT IS IT DOING? WHERE DID IT COME FROM? WHERE IS IT GOING?
Neighborhood Study Assessment
How do you encourage change while preserving neighborhood character? What is best for neighborhoods and the people who live in them? These are questions that were raised by you in our unit on Gentrification, and they lie at the center of our Brooklyn history class. We have already begun to talk a little about these issues, but it is now time for you to use these questions to turn a critical eye to your own neighborhood (or one that you choose).
How to do this:
You will create a photo and text presentation with specific information about your neighborhood or the neighborhood you choose to study for this assignment. This presentation may take any of the following three forms. PLEASE CHOOSE A FORM with which you already feel comfortable and that you do not have to learn how to do. Most of the creation work for this project will be taking place at home, with emphasis on information gathering in class.
Neighborhood Booklet (for the artistic soul).
This will consist of pages of photos and labels interspersed with required text. The photos can be a combination of single-photos, doubles, or a collage, so long as the images are clear. You can add scrapbook elements as well. The purpose of the booklet is to tell the story of your neighborhood in a creative way, interspersed with historical facts, trends, and reflection.
Power Point (for the technology wiz).
This power point presentation will use your photographs and outside historical images as well as the required text to present your information. The purpose of the power point is to create a digital story of your neighborhood in a creative and technological way, interspersed with historical facts, trends, and reflection. If you know how to overlay your power point with an audio analysis you may do so as well.
Photo Essay (for the analytical thinker or the writer in you).
This will primarily be a written paper addressing the required topics with an appendix of photographs and labels. This is best for people who like a straightforward, more analytical approach to presentation, or for those who enjoy the writing process. The purpose of this essay is to provide an overview of the history and trends that have affected or are affecting your neighborhood, with images that illustrate your points.
Presentation Requirements:
ALL neighborhood study assessments will include the following:
Photos from your neighborhood walk with labels and/or descriptions of the photographs’ meanings
Historical research to contextualize how your neighborhood became what it is today
Description of neighborhood landmarks (recognized, community and personal)
Analysis of trends occurring in the neighborhood, and an evaluation of the sate of your neighborhood (is what is happening helpful or harmful? What is for the Greater Good?)
Predictions for the future of your neighborhood
Personal reflections on your neighborhood, your connection to it (or lack thereof), how you feel about it and how you feel about the changes occurring in it
Grading:
You presentation will be graded on the following:
Thoroughness of information and analysis
Accuracy
How well photographs are linked to your information
Clarity of presentation
Neighborhood Study Assessment
How do you encourage change while preserving neighborhood character? What is best for neighborhoods and the people who live in them? These are questions that were raised by you in our unit on Gentrification, and they lie at the center of our Brooklyn history class. We have already begun to talk a little about these issues, but it is now time for you to use these questions to turn a critical eye to your own neighborhood (or one that you choose).
How to do this:
You will create a photo and text presentation with specific information about your neighborhood or the neighborhood you choose to study for this assignment. This presentation may take any of the following three forms. PLEASE CHOOSE A FORM with which you already feel comfortable and that you do not have to learn how to do. Most of the creation work for this project will be taking place at home, with emphasis on information gathering in class.
Neighborhood Booklet (for the artistic soul).
This will consist of pages of photos and labels interspersed with required text. The photos can be a combination of single-photos, doubles, or a collage, so long as the images are clear. You can add scrapbook elements as well. The purpose of the booklet is to tell the story of your neighborhood in a creative way, interspersed with historical facts, trends, and reflection.
Power Point (for the technology wiz).
This power point presentation will use your photographs and outside historical images as well as the required text to present your information. The purpose of the power point is to create a digital story of your neighborhood in a creative and technological way, interspersed with historical facts, trends, and reflection. If you know how to overlay your power point with an audio analysis you may do so as well.
Photo Essay (for the analytical thinker or the writer in you).
This will primarily be a written paper addressing the required topics with an appendix of photographs and labels. This is best for people who like a straightforward, more analytical approach to presentation, or for those who enjoy the writing process. The purpose of this essay is to provide an overview of the history and trends that have affected or are affecting your neighborhood, with images that illustrate your points.
Presentation Requirements:
ALL neighborhood study assessments will include the following:
Photos from your neighborhood walk with labels and/or descriptions of the photographs’ meanings
Historical research to contextualize how your neighborhood became what it is today
Description of neighborhood landmarks (recognized, community and personal)
Analysis of trends occurring in the neighborhood, and an evaluation of the sate of your neighborhood (is what is happening helpful or harmful? What is for the Greater Good?)
Predictions for the future of your neighborhood
Personal reflections on your neighborhood, your connection to it (or lack thereof), how you feel about it and how you feel about the changes occurring in it
Grading:
You presentation will be graded on the following:
Thoroughness of information and analysis
Accuracy
How well photographs are linked to your information
Clarity of presentation
Neighborhood HW # 2 - Due 11/13
Read your neighborhood reading and complete the turning point handout based on your reading.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Neighborhood HW # 1 - Due 11/10
Read "Faces in the Rubble" by David Gonzalez. Write a response:
1. Who do you think is his audience?
2. How does he feel about his neighborhood?
3. What does he choose to capture?
1. Who do you think is his audience?
2. How does he feel about his neighborhood?
3. What does he choose to capture?
Monday, November 9, 2009
CALLING ALL WRITERS: ESSAY CONTEST!
Write some love for your favorite part of NYC.
We've got a contest that eager writers should sharpen their pencils for. On November 18th at 7:30 pm (during the First Independent Bookstore Week NYC), we’re hosting an event to celebrate the paperback release of State by State, a wonderful collection of essays from acclaimed writers, about the states they love.
We're hosting a contest in the same spirit - called Neighborhood by Neighborhood! Write an essay (500-1000 words) about your favorite neighborhood in NYC: from Washington Heights to Vinegar Hill to, of course – Greenpoint. Open to high school students and up. (We will pick a student winner and an adult winner.)
Send submissions to kelly@wordbrooklyn.com by November 12th to be entered. Winners get an autographed copy of the book, a gift certificate to WORD and might get to read their piece at the event. But you do not need to be present to enter or win – so send your entry even if you can’t make it on Nov. 18th. We’d love to read your essay!
We've got a contest that eager writers should sharpen their pencils for. On November 18th at 7:30 pm (during the First Independent Bookstore Week NYC), we’re hosting an event to celebrate the paperback release of State by State, a wonderful collection of essays from acclaimed writers, about the states they love.
We're hosting a contest in the same spirit - called Neighborhood by Neighborhood! Write an essay (500-1000 words) about your favorite neighborhood in NYC: from Washington Heights to Vinegar Hill to, of course – Greenpoint. Open to high school students and up. (We will pick a student winner and an adult winner.)
Send submissions to kelly@wordbrooklyn.com by November 12th to be entered. Winners get an autographed copy of the book, a gift certificate to WORD and might get to read their piece at the event. But you do not need to be present to enter or win – so send your entry even if you can’t make it on Nov. 18th. We’d love to read your essay!
Monday, November 2, 2009
SEMINAR PREP: Does Gentrification Harm or Help Neighborhoods?
YOUR TASK:
Develop an essay with a thesis statement stating whether you think gentrification harms neighborhoods, helps neighborhoods or does both in varying degrees.
Reference evidence from the texts, speakers, websites etc. we have used in class and that you have looked over at home. Use direct quotes and summaries of arguments, stating the author’s name (or, in the case of the websites, The NY Times).
Explain why the quotes and references to texts you have chosen are significant.
Example: According to the article Towers and Tenements, the city has developed a proposal to slow the effects of gentrification by giving landlords in newly gentrified areas tax credits so that they can afford to keep their lower paying residents. This is significant because even though it does not stop the spread of gentrification, it allows for lower-income residents to not be displaced, therefore, they can benefit from the good things that gentrification brings to an area.
Use the language of nuance. Gentrification is a complex issue and often contradicts itself. Use the language of nuance such as:
Even though
At the same time,
Primarily,
In spite of
Although
Organization: Use TEAL (Topic sentence, evidence, analysis and link back to thesis) to organize your essay. LOOK AT YOUR ROADMAP!
Proofread, proofread, proofread!
**WARNING!!** The word “Gentrification” is a NOUN. But it can also act like a verb. As a verb it acts just like a word in Spanish. Below are the conjugations of the verb To Gentrify:
PRESENT TENSE PAST TENSE
I gentrify I gentrified
You gentrify You gentrified
He/she gentrify he/she gentrified
We gentrify We gentrified
They gentrify They gentrified
Finally it can also act like an adjective, which is a word used to describe a noun. Example: This is a gentrified (adjective) neighborhood (noun).
Develop an essay with a thesis statement stating whether you think gentrification harms neighborhoods, helps neighborhoods or does both in varying degrees.
Reference evidence from the texts, speakers, websites etc. we have used in class and that you have looked over at home. Use direct quotes and summaries of arguments, stating the author’s name (or, in the case of the websites, The NY Times).
Explain why the quotes and references to texts you have chosen are significant.
Example: According to the article Towers and Tenements, the city has developed a proposal to slow the effects of gentrification by giving landlords in newly gentrified areas tax credits so that they can afford to keep their lower paying residents. This is significant because even though it does not stop the spread of gentrification, it allows for lower-income residents to not be displaced, therefore, they can benefit from the good things that gentrification brings to an area.
Use the language of nuance. Gentrification is a complex issue and often contradicts itself. Use the language of nuance such as:
Even though
At the same time,
Primarily,
In spite of
Although
Organization: Use TEAL (Topic sentence, evidence, analysis and link back to thesis) to organize your essay. LOOK AT YOUR ROADMAP!
Proofread, proofread, proofread!
**WARNING!!** The word “Gentrification” is a NOUN. But it can also act like a verb. As a verb it acts just like a word in Spanish. Below are the conjugations of the verb To Gentrify:
PRESENT TENSE PAST TENSE
I gentrify I gentrified
You gentrify You gentrified
He/she gentrify he/she gentrified
We gentrify We gentrified
They gentrify They gentrified
Finally it can also act like an adjective, which is a word used to describe a noun. Example: This is a gentrified (adjective) neighborhood (noun).
Gentrification HW # 8
Work on reviewing and organizing your information. This is a very important step in the writing process. Use your Roadmap to your Thesis handout to help do this.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
Gentrification HW # 7
Fill out the Author Analysis worksheet based on the article, Towers and Tenements, by Matthew Schuerman.
Gentrification HW # 6
View all photo slide shows that were posted on the blog. Complete the handout that we started in class.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Gentrification HW # 5
Read and annotate the article, Who Hurts?, by Ben Gibberd. Complete an Author Analysis worksheet based on the article.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Gentrification HW # 3
Read and Annotate the article, Gentrification and Displacement: New York City in the 1990's, by Lance Freeman and Frank Braconi. You do not have to complete the Author Analysis worksheet yet. Just annotate and write 2-4 questions for discussion and/or clarification.
Gentrification HW # 2
Read and Annotate the article, White FLight to Brooklyn, by Dana Rubinstein. Complete the revised Author Analysis sheet based on the article.
Gentrification HW # 1
Reread the article, Andres Duany Applauds Gentrification, 2001. Based on the article complete the Author Analysis Worksheet.
Park Slope Labels Due Monday October 19
Example Label
Carlos Mesquita 1989 -
Looking
Brooklyn, NY
Photograph
This photograph shows a pole with a pamphlet posted on it that advertises an apartment. On the background, what seems to be right across the street from the poster, lays a realty company. The two objects, the pole in the foreground and the realty company in the background, work together to convey the idea that Park Slope is being smothered by gentrification, development, and other common trends taking place in the area. I took this picture to emphasize the idea that Park Slope is changing. The pamphlet in the foreground portrays a perfect example of someone who is in desperate need to move in with someone; perhaps because he was thrown out of his building due to high rent charges. This is a perfect example of gentrification.
Photograph Label
Write a “label” for 2 photographs.
Each label must be typed as it will be posted next to your photograph.
In the top, left hand corner, it must contain:
§ your name, your birth year
§ the title of the photograph
§ Where and when it was made
§ Medium
In paragraph form, it must tell the following information:
§ What this is a photograph of
§ Why you took this photograph
§ Describe the composition of the photograph (what’s in the foreground, middleground, background)
Example:
Carlos Mesquita 1989 –
Looking
Brooklyn, NY 2006
Photograph
This is a photograph of… This photograph shows that… In the foreground…
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Park Slope Walk Reflection HW: Due Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Respond to the TWO of following questions in your binder. We will discuss them on Tuesday.
AND
****VERY IMPORTANT****VERY IMPORTANT****VERY IMPORTANT****
BRING IN YOUR CAMERA AND USB CORD
- OR -
YOUR IMAGES ON CD, FLASH DRIVE OR IN YOUR EMAIL
We will be looking at your photos in class on Tuesday!
****VERY IMPORTANT****VERY IMPORTANT****VERY IMPORTANT****
**************************
REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
1. Describe three photographs you took in 2 – 3 sentences each. What were you trying to capture in these photographs?
2. How did what you noticed in Park Slope today compare or contrast to what you usually see in Park Slope? How did what you observed on our walk strengthen or change your perception of the neighborhood?
3. Of the trends we have mentioned in class (renovation, restoration, revitalization, development, gentrification, immigration, migration), which did you notice the most in Park Slope? How does this compare with your own neighborhood?
4. What did you find most challenging about the walk? What did you enjoy the most? What might you do differently for your next walk? Explain.
AND
****VERY IMPORTANT****VERY IMPORTANT****VERY IMPORTANT****
BRING IN YOUR CAMERA AND USB CORD
- OR -
YOUR IMAGES ON CD, FLASH DRIVE OR IN YOUR EMAIL
We will be looking at your photos in class on Tuesday!
****VERY IMPORTANT****VERY IMPORTANT****VERY IMPORTANT****
**************************
REFLECTION QUESTIONS:
1. Describe three photographs you took in 2 – 3 sentences each. What were you trying to capture in these photographs?
2. How did what you noticed in Park Slope today compare or contrast to what you usually see in Park Slope? How did what you observed on our walk strengthen or change your perception of the neighborhood?
3. Of the trends we have mentioned in class (renovation, restoration, revitalization, development, gentrification, immigration, migration), which did you notice the most in Park Slope? How does this compare with your own neighborhood?
4. What did you find most challenging about the walk? What did you enjoy the most? What might you do differently for your next walk? Explain.
Friday, October 2, 2009
HW # 7 - Due Monday (10/5)
Write answers explaining your thoughts to the following questions:
- What is most interesting to you?
- What is most thought-provoking?
- About what do you have the most to say?
Thursday, September 24, 2009
HW # 6 - History of Park Slope
Read and Annotate the handout out about the history of Park Slope. Complete the handout by identifying major turning points that changed the character of Park Slope (See handout for further instructions).
Terms/Trends that will be discussed throughout the course
Gentrification: The upgrade or renovation of a formerly run-down or abandoned area by the middleclass, often resulting in displacement
Displacement: The act of being displaced or forced to leave (generally your homeland or community)
Development: The new construction of homes or businesses
Immigration: The entering of peoples into a non-native country for the goal of permanent residence
Migration: The movement of peoples from one area to another, such as within a country, state or city
Renovation: To restore to a former better state of condition
Restoration: To return a building to its prior condition or original state (not necessarily to a better state)
Revitalization: To give new life or vigor to; To better the community from within the community
Displacement: The act of being displaced or forced to leave (generally your homeland or community)
Development: The new construction of homes or businesses
Immigration: The entering of peoples into a non-native country for the goal of permanent residence
Migration: The movement of peoples from one area to another, such as within a country, state or city
Renovation: To restore to a former better state of condition
Restoration: To return a building to its prior condition or original state (not necessarily to a better state)
Revitalization: To give new life or vigor to; To better the community from within the community
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
HW # 5
Read and annotate the article, " Brooklyn, The Borough: Destined to Be Gentrified and Gentrifying," by Nicole Brydson. Answer the questions at the top and write one discussion question.
Monday, September 21, 2009
First draft of "My Brooklyn" personal essay due Monday (9/21)
Remmember your first draft must be typed and double spaced. It should also have revision marks on it!
Friday, September 18, 2009
HW # 4: Complete 4 paragraphs for your "My Brooklyn" paper
The following prompts may help you get started:
“MY BROOKLYN” Writing Prompts
I started building my own private Brooklyn when….
My first memory of Brooklyn is….
When I first moved to Brooklyn I….
No matter how long you have been here you are a Brooklynite when you can say….
Brooklyn is like no other place because….
My Brooklyn is….and….and….and….and….
It wouldn’t be My Brooklyn without….
If these streets could talk they could tell you that I….
As I’ve gotten older I have realized that my Brooklyn….
“MY BROOKLYN” Writing Prompts
I started building my own private Brooklyn when….
My first memory of Brooklyn is….
When I first moved to Brooklyn I….
No matter how long you have been here you are a Brooklynite when you can say….
Brooklyn is like no other place because….
My Brooklyn is….and….and….and….and….
It wouldn’t be My Brooklyn without….
If these streets could talk they could tell you that I….
As I’ve gotten older I have realized that my Brooklyn….
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
HW # 3 - Freewrite answers to all Interview questions
QUESTIONS:
1. How might someone from the outside describe your neighborhood?
2. Describe a few specific people that make your neighborhood or your Brooklyn unique?
3. What are some specific memories you have of spending time in your neighborhood or Brooklyn?
4. If you were to photograph your neighborhood or Brooklyn, what might you take pictures of?
5. Are you proud of being from your neighborhood/Brooklyn?
6. Do you feel a part of your neighborhood/Brooklyn? If not, where do you feel a part of?
7. What kinds of things have changed in your community? Do you think these changes have been for the better or for the worse?
8. Aside from your neighborhood, where else do you spend your time in NYC?
1. How might someone from the outside describe your neighborhood?
2. Describe a few specific people that make your neighborhood or your Brooklyn unique?
3. What are some specific memories you have of spending time in your neighborhood or Brooklyn?
4. If you were to photograph your neighborhood or Brooklyn, what might you take pictures of?
5. Are you proud of being from your neighborhood/Brooklyn?
6. Do you feel a part of your neighborhood/Brooklyn? If not, where do you feel a part of?
7. What kinds of things have changed in your community? Do you think these changes have been for the better or for the worse?
8. Aside from your neighborhood, where else do you spend your time in NYC?
Friday, September 11, 2009
HW # 2 Pre Reading Assignment
Choose 2 of the following writing prompts below. Write about them on a sheet of loose-leaf paper in your binder. Be prepared to discuss your answers in class on Monday.
When you picture your favorite parts of NYC (Brooklyn or any of the other 5 boroughs), what would you be sad to see gone? Why? (3 – 5 sentences)
2. Finish the following sentences:
· It wouldn’t be NYC without….
· It wouldn’t be Brooklyn (or your borough if you are not from BK) without….
· It wouldn’t be my neighborhood without….
This one depends on how long you have lived in NYC and your neighborhood –
What is something that has disappeared in your neighborhood, borough, or NYC that you are proud to say “Yeah, I remember that!” Explain. (3 – 5 sentences)
When you picture your favorite parts of NYC (Brooklyn or any of the other 5 boroughs), what would you be sad to see gone? Why? (3 – 5 sentences)
2. Finish the following sentences:
· It wouldn’t be NYC without….
· It wouldn’t be Brooklyn (or your borough if you are not from BK) without….
· It wouldn’t be my neighborhood without….
This one depends on how long you have lived in NYC and your neighborhood –
What is something that has disappeared in your neighborhood, borough, or NYC that you are proud to say “Yeah, I remember that!” Explain. (3 – 5 sentences)
HW #1: Personal Maps
1. Using 3 different colors, organize your map of Brooklyn into the following categories:
FAMILIAR – you feel you know this neighborhood well, for example, you live there or have lived there, or, you spend a lot of your time hanging out there. You are able to give directions, and recommendations of where to eat, shop etc.
AQUAINTED – you know the neighborhood pretty well because you have spent some time there, but you still don’t necessarily know the best places to go, or, where everything is. You can probably give directions, and suggest a place to eat, but maybe not the best recommendations.
VISITED – you have been to this neighborhood and have a sense of what it looks like, but that’s about it.
2. Make a map key that shows which color means which category.
3. Be prepared to discuss your map with your classmates in class tomorrow.
FAMILIAR – you feel you know this neighborhood well, for example, you live there or have lived there, or, you spend a lot of your time hanging out there. You are able to give directions, and recommendations of where to eat, shop etc.
AQUAINTED – you know the neighborhood pretty well because you have spent some time there, but you still don’t necessarily know the best places to go, or, where everything is. You can probably give directions, and suggest a place to eat, but maybe not the best recommendations.
VISITED – you have been to this neighborhood and have a sense of what it looks like, but that’s about it.
2. Make a map key that shows which color means which category.
3. Be prepared to discuss your map with your classmates in class tomorrow.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
The Brooklyn History Project
The Brooklyn History Project
The Brooklyn that we live in is changing before our eyes. Streets we walk fill with new people, stores we go to change ownership or disappear, buildings rise in vacant lots and neighbors move away. These trends are part of an urban cycle that has repeated itself many times since this borough was first built, and they have great effects on the people who live here. The work of both artists and historians is to witness the world around them and draw meaning from it. In this course, we will use the methods of both historians and artists to ask: What can the changes in our borough tell us about ourselves and the world we live in now? What can they tell us about our future? Understanding the changes and where we live within them gives us a choice: do we want to impact them or not?
The Brooklyn History Project will engage us in examining these changes, understanding their effects, and documenting the parts of Brooklyn that matter to us. We will be asking what makes up “Our Brooklyn,” and how others perceive where we live. This project will bring us out into Brooklyn and into contact with many people who are actively involved in preserving or changing the character of Brooklyn. Through photography, research, the act of writing and the interview process, we will build our understanding and knowledge of the place that Brooklyn was and the place that it is becoming.
The Brooklyn that we live in is changing before our eyes. Streets we walk fill with new people, stores we go to change ownership or disappear, buildings rise in vacant lots and neighbors move away. These trends are part of an urban cycle that has repeated itself many times since this borough was first built, and they have great effects on the people who live here. The work of both artists and historians is to witness the world around them and draw meaning from it. In this course, we will use the methods of both historians and artists to ask: What can the changes in our borough tell us about ourselves and the world we live in now? What can they tell us about our future? Understanding the changes and where we live within them gives us a choice: do we want to impact them or not?
The Brooklyn History Project will engage us in examining these changes, understanding their effects, and documenting the parts of Brooklyn that matter to us. We will be asking what makes up “Our Brooklyn,” and how others perceive where we live. This project will bring us out into Brooklyn and into contact with many people who are actively involved in preserving or changing the character of Brooklyn. Through photography, research, the act of writing and the interview process, we will build our understanding and knowledge of the place that Brooklyn was and the place that it is becoming.
"My Brooklyn" Paper
Guidelines:
By now you should have all read and become familiar with the Colson Whitehead essay, “The Colossus of New York.” In his essay, Whitehead contends that everyone has a different definition of what New York is to them. He explains that every experience that one has in New York is just another brick used to construct their own definition of New York. In order to build on our understanding of Brooklyn, we think it important to clarify in writing what Brooklyn is to each of us. In order to do this you will all write your first large writing assignment entitled “My Brooklyn.” Below you will find guidelines to follow while writing your essay.
See full assignment sheet for details:
http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=dgj6z8rr_1fq5x5cgf&hl=en
Sample Paper:
http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=dgj6z8rr_3347w88dq&hl=en
Assignment Rubric:
http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=dgj6z8rr_2gj22kdc7&hl=en
By now you should have all read and become familiar with the Colson Whitehead essay, “The Colossus of New York.” In his essay, Whitehead contends that everyone has a different definition of what New York is to them. He explains that every experience that one has in New York is just another brick used to construct their own definition of New York. In order to build on our understanding of Brooklyn, we think it important to clarify in writing what Brooklyn is to each of us. In order to do this you will all write your first large writing assignment entitled “My Brooklyn.” Below you will find guidelines to follow while writing your essay.
See full assignment sheet for details:
http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=dgj6z8rr_1fq5x5cgf&hl=en
Sample Paper:
http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=dgj6z8rr_3347w88dq&hl=en
Assignment Rubric:
http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=dgj6z8rr_2gj22kdc7&hl=en
Seminar Prep Paper - Gentrification
Does Gentrification harm or help neighborhoods?
Assignment Sheet:
http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=dgj6z8rr_79vkwtg7q&hl=en
This sheet will serve as a guide for you when you are writing your paper. Please read it carefully. Your paper should focus on our essential question, “does gentrification harm or help neighborhoods?” You should use your knowledge of gentrification in Park Slope and the articles we have read about gentrification as the basis of your answer. HINT: you should refer to the worksheets and annotations that you completed for each article.
Assignment Sheet:
http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=dgj6z8rr_79vkwtg7q&hl=en
This sheet will serve as a guide for you when you are writing your paper. Please read it carefully. Your paper should focus on our essential question, “does gentrification harm or help neighborhoods?” You should use your knowledge of gentrification in Park Slope and the articles we have read about gentrification as the basis of your answer. HINT: you should refer to the worksheets and annotations that you completed for each article.
Neighborhood Walk Assignment
So far in our preparation for writing our neighborhood reflections we have studied some history of our neighborhoods as well as examined our neighborhoods today. Using what you have learned about your neighborhood’s history and the information you gained on your neighborhood walk you will write a paper that attempts to reflect on the observations you made.
Your paper should cover the following:
· Your first impressions
· Trends/changes that you noticed in your neighborhood
· Descriptive character (things that normally go down in your neighborhood)
- Languages
- Foods
- Culture
- Sounds
- Smells
- Hangout spots
- Buildings
- Stores
· Things you never noticed before
· Questions for further research
Assignment Sheet:
http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=dgj6z8rr_5hf3gh7f8&hl=en
Assignment Rubric:
http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=dgj6z8rr_649z2jcgn&hl=en
Your paper should cover the following:
· Your first impressions
· Trends/changes that you noticed in your neighborhood
· Descriptive character (things that normally go down in your neighborhood)
- Languages
- Foods
- Culture
- Sounds
- Smells
- Hangout spots
- Buildings
- Stores
· Things you never noticed before
· Questions for further research
Assignment Sheet:
http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=dgj6z8rr_5hf3gh7f8&hl=en
Assignment Rubric:
http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=dgj6z8rr_649z2jcgn&hl=en
Greater Good Seminar Prep Paper
What is the greater good and what should be sacrificed in its name?
Seminar Prep Assignment Sheet:
http://docs.google.com/Doc?docid=dgj6z8rr_8dv2zhvch&hl=en
This sheet will serve as a guide for you when you are writing your paper. Please read it carefully. Your paper should focus on our essential question, “what is really the greater good and what should be sacrificed in that name?” You should use the Atlantic Yards as a case study. In other words, do you think the Atlantic Yards Project is in the interests of the “greater good of Brooklyn?” If so, what should be sacrificed in its name? While your paper must highlight the Atlantic Yards Project you may also refer to other examples from our study of the essential question. You must submit a completed seminar prep chart with your paper. This chart will help you to look back through all the sources that we have studied so far.
The following is a list of websites that have information in support of the Atlantic Yards Project. We realize that we have presented a one sided view of the project. This is due to the sources that we have access to. You must include information from at least one of these websites. It may be in the form of you refuting an argument in favor of the project, or you may feel that the project is for the greater good of Brooklyn. In this case you may wish to include information from more than one of these websites.
Pro Atlantic Yards:
Atlantic Yards Project home page http://www.atlanticyards.com/
This sheet will serve as a guide for you when you are writing your paper. Please read it carefully. Your paper should focus on our essential question, “what is really the greater good and what should be sacrificed in that name?” You should use the Atlantic Yards as a case study. In other words, do you think the Atlantic Yards Project is in the interests of the “greater good of Brooklyn?” If so, what should be sacrificed in its name? While your paper must highlight the Atlantic Yards Project you may also refer to other examples from our study of the essential question. You must submit a completed seminar prep chart with your paper. This chart will help you to look back through all the sources that we have studied so far.
The following is a list of websites that have information in support of the Atlantic Yards Project. We realize that we have presented a one sided view of the project. This is due to the sources that we have access to. You must include information from at least one of these websites. It may be in the form of you refuting an argument in favor of the project, or you may feel that the project is for the greater good of Brooklyn. In this case you may wish to include information from more than one of these websites.
Pro Atlantic Yards:
Atlantic Yards Project home page http://www.atlanticyards.com/
Empire State Development Corporation http://www.empire.state.ny.us/AtlanticYards/
Acorn supports Atlantic Yards http://www.citylimits.org/content/articles/viewarticle.cfm?article_id=1953
BUILD web site https://mail.nycboe.net/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://www.buildbrooklyn.org/index.php?sect_id=ay%26page_id=post
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