Introduction to public policy analysis.
Examines various approaches to policy analysis by considering the concepts, tools, and
methods used in economics, political science, and other disciplines. Students apply and critique
these approaches through case studies of current public policy problems. This class is part of the
policy minor.
Undergraduates are exposed to the complexity of planning in numerous on-the-ground locations, depending on funding. From post-disaster New Orleans, Post-Earthquake Haiti, to everyday Cambridge and Massachusetts. Students learn about people, planning processes, politics and policy and how change, changemaking, and disaster can be a catalyst for rethinking and reprioritizing. Specifically, students respond to research requests by neighborhood groups, city and agency officials seeking to move redevelopment projects forward.
Planning and Architecture students develop a planning, policy, or design thesis question into a viable research project.
Students are instructed in research design methods: interviewing, surveying, observation exercises, precedent studies, among other strategies. This is a required class and a CI-M Class for undergraduates in both departments.
Graduate students develop and practice technical writing and speaking skills. Modes of communication include: memos, press releases, Op-Eds, proposals, oral briefings, E-mail intricacies, and argumentation. These courses are published by MIT on its Open Courseware site.
Methods of Policy Analysis (11.003/17.30J) – Introduction to public policy analysis.
Examines various approaches to policy analysis by considering the concepts, tools, and methods used in economics, political science, and other disciplines. Students apply and critique these approaches through case studies of current public policy problems. This class is part of the policy minor.
Provides instruction in architectural design and project development within design constraints including architectural program and site analysis. Working directly with representational and model making techniques, students gain experience in the conceptual, formal, spatial and material aspects of architecture. Instruction and practice in oral and written communication provided. I have co-taught this required class with various faculty over 20 years.
Develops an introductory foundation in artistic practice and its critical analysis, and develops artistic approaches and methods by drawing analogies to architectural thinking, urbanism, and design practice. Covers how to communicate ideas and experiences on different scales and through two-dimensional, three-dimensional, and time-based media in new genres. Uses artistic methods that engage the public realm through spatial, sculptural, performative, and process-oriented practices. Instruction and practice in written and oral communication provided. I have co-taught this class with various faculty over 15 years.
This class is required for the course 4 major.
Program of thesis research, writing, presenting, and revising leading to the writing of an SB thesis. Co-taught with Skylar Tibbits and Les Norford 2022 to present. This class is required for the course 11 and 4 major.
