ARTH 308(S) The North-American Park Idea (Same as Environmental Studies 308) (W)
A research seminar considering those sites whose nature is often displayed in an idealized form, for reasons of
stewardship, curiosity, delectation, or some other intention. Among the "open spaces" to be studied, both in
terms of design intent and design execution, are: commons and squares; groves and pleasure grounds; cemeteries;
exposition grounds; playgrounds; a few "landmark" residential subdivisions (sometimes called "parks"); some landmark campuses or estate grounds; and those large natural areas or reservations generally subsumed, in common usage, by the wording "national park." Many of these "parks" are sites of leisure activities, and the design and furnishing of outdoor recreation will comprise one major theme. We will consult primary evidence, in the form of contemporary reports, letters, and journals from the period of these sites' creation. Secondary evidence will lie in accounts of the behavior induced by the scouting, wilderness, ecological and naturalist-explorer movements. Frederick Law Olmsted, Steven Mather, Robert Moses, and Walt Disney are among the seminal figures whose careers in park creation or site design will be scrutinized.
Format: lecture, discussion. Evaluation to be based on weekly essays and on class participation. This course includes an obligatory all-day field session, the last Wednesday in April, to the Boston environs, and site assessments there of the Old Granary Burying Grounds, the Common and Public Garden, the Emerald Necklace, including Harvard University's living collections and the city's largest recreational ground, Franklin Park. This session will include discussions with designers, scholars, park advocates, and public officials. Occasional Wednesday afternoon field sessions will visit sites or designs within range of Williamstown.
No prerequisites, though ArtH 201 recommended. Enrollment limit: 11 (expected: 11). Open to sophomores. Preference to American Studies, Art, and Environmental Studies majors.
Does not satisfy the art history seminar requirement.
Hour: SATTERTHWAITE