Writing Assignment [due 2/13] Reading Notes + Data Walk + KeyTerm 2
Reading Notes:
1. Read the 3 assigned texts/readings (Mosher et al, Haraway, Tsing). For each text, compose half a page (single space) of notes that identify key terms, arguments, themes or methods that strike you as useful for translations across fields/sectors/or disciplines, and are worthy of further discussion.
1a. At the end of your notes, be sure to articulate Two Key Questions that extend insights or tensions that emerge from the texts.
Neighborhood Walk Data/Notes
2. Spend 30-45 minutes walking around your own neighborhood. Take along a note pad and camera (your cell phone camera is fine) - and take at least 5 photos of objects/sites that draw your attention during your walk. This can be at any points or moments of observation that generate interest, tension, confusion, surprises, counter-intuitive findings (Ned adds: poetic insights and existential questionings also invited). Make note of what sites/moments you observe for seeming either "civically" rich or calm, or "data" rich or calm (however you'd like the interpret those terms, based on your experiences locally or in another city).
Aim to start at a familiar part of your neighborhood, and walk through a section that you had not walked through before. What do you notice as you walk as signs of "the city" or "community" activity? What signs (or lack) of city/public services, and community/neighbor/neighborhood activity, do you notice? Is it evident City/Public services, Neighbors, etc. take "care" of your neighborhood? What do you notice about the ease of walking or biking? What is noticeable in terms of green space or landscape maintenance, be it on public or private property? Keep in mind the diversity of significant users of neighborhood space: youth, elderly. pets, families, travelers, resident who speak different languages, residents in wheelchairs, etc. Also: the diversity of routine city "services" for users: transportation, parks, education, maintenance (safety, waste services, lighting, etc), public housing, etc. And the diversity of potentially meaningful signs of community/resident activity in a neighborhood: use of yard, street or sidewalk space, signage posted, etc. Feel free to stand still for 5-10 minutes in a significant/selected spot, and take note of what you observe from there.
2a. In no more than 1 page, describe what you noticed in your walk. Start by reflecting on your original impression of your neighborhood, and City/Public services had been/are. And take note of what objects/signs drew your attention as you walked, and why. What might someone who had never lived in your neighborhood project as characteristics of it, were they to have made the same 30 min. walk and noticed the same objects? Feel free to make connections to current events or other resources if you like.
2b. Make note of the time/day of your walk, your starting point, and your walking path. Save the photos you take during your walk; we'll upload them to our sites and share them in class Wednesday.
3. Consider the New Keyterm you were assigned this week, and read the "Original Notes" submitted for it in the left column from our in-class group exercise on 2/6 here. Consider your own Reading Notes from Week 1, and make any additions or suggestions for edits for clarity, length, or legibility in "Repackaging Column". Take a moment too to try your hand at rewriting/editing several of the most key bullet points from the Original Notes into the additions you make into the "Repackaged Notes" side. We'll share our edits and explanations in class.
4. Be sure to email me your assignment (asaychan@gmail.com) by 9A Wednesday 2/13.