New York City, one of the world's most vibrant examples of downtown. (Image courtesy of Keith McCluskey, © opifice.com.)
Instructor(s)
Prof. Bernard Frieden
Prof. Robert Fogelson
MIT Course Number
21H.234J / 11.339J / 11.026J
As Taught In
Spring 2005
Level
Undergraduate / Graduate
Course Description
Course Highlights
This course includes archived syllabi from various semesters.
Course Description
This seminar focuses on downtowns in U.S. cities from the late nineteenth century to the late twentieth century. Emphasis will be placed on downtown as an idea, place, and cluster of interests; on the changing character of downtown; and on recent efforts to rebuild it. Subjects to be considered will include subways, skyscrapers, highways, urban renewal, and retail centers. The focus will be on readings, discussions, and individual research projects.