Architecture 24, Section 1
Exploring American Cities (P/NP)
Professor Paul Groth
Tuesdays 3:00-5:00, 172 Wurster Hall, CCN: 03702

**Note Section, Location, and Course Control Number Added**

The visual and spatial artifacts of cities-their buildings, lots, streets, signs, front yards, even graffiti-provide very useful clues to past and present meanings, social identities, political struggles, and economic realities within America. These visual aspects of cities are not random; they often fit into repeating patterns and processes. Thus, learning to see the cities of the Bay Area can provide basic tools for understanding any American city built after 1850. In addition to brief readings and discussions, we will explore parts of Berkeley, Oakland, and San Francisco with five two-hour field trips, traveling by foot, bus, and BART. This seminar will meet the first eight weeks of the semester, beginning January 20, 2004 and ending March 9, 2004.

Paul Groth is a Professor in architecture, geography, and American studies. His overarching interests and publications are in cultural landscape studies-that is, the history, form, and meaning of ordinary built environments, particularly in the United States. He has studied urban buildings and districts in dozens of cities, and is currently at work on a book connecting changes in American workplaces, public recreation, and homes.

---