Proseminar in Urbanism, Landscape, Ecology

This required seminar introduces candidates in the MDesS Urbanism, Landscape, Ecology [ULE] concentration to the range of urban questions presently pursued by GSD faculty advising in this area. Through weekly readings, seminar presentations, research tutorials, and discussions, incoming MDesS ULE candidates will be introduced to the research agendas of several core faculty members working in this area. Each faculty member will present a distinct set of questions and methods with respect to contemporary urbanism, landscape, geography, or territory. From this introduction, and through the work of the seminar, candidates will be invited to identify a particular ‘problématique’ to inform their MDesS thesis from amongst the various agendas articulated in the seminar.

The seminar introduces MDesS ULE candidates to the context and culture of urban research at the GSD. Members of the seminar will be invited to read into the discourse surrounding a diverse array of urban questions, and to understand the disciplinary and methodological implications of those questions. Upon completion of the seminar, MDesS ULE candidates will be invited to articulate a specific urban question to mobilize their research as advised by a specific member of the faculty. MDesS ULE candidates will present this question in the form of a seminar presentation and paper on the subject at the end of the term.

Fadi Masoud will serve as Teaching Associate for this proseminar.