Geography of Public Space

In this course, we will explore what it means for space to be public particularly in the urban environment. We will consider the economic, social, political and cultural ideas in the idea of being 'public,' and the ways these are played out spatially. We will consider who counts as a member of "the public" in different times and places, the idea of multiple publics, and counter-publics, and how these various groups interact in the contests over public space. We will explore the city on foot both during class time and in independent assignments.