Photo Sustainable Community Project (20%)
This assignment entails three steps you need to take. The first is to take photographs of a community/neighborhood illustrating what the area has good and what the area would need to change; the second is to offer a class presentation about the area, the needed change, and the way in which your expertise could help you enact the change; and the third is to write a proposal to a person with decision power in the community/neighborhood to demonstrate the need for change and the benefits deriving from it.
Step 1: Photographs
Take photos of a community/neighborhood and document life in this community/neighborhood. Document features that show: a) the area’s assets; b) challenges; c) the people who live and spend time there; and d) the markers of the neighborhood which help define its character and/or boundaries. As you are taking pictures, think about ways that you and other concerned members of this community could intervene to address the sustainability challenges you identify. Select your favorite 4-6 photos.
Step 2: Class Presentation
• Using a PowerPoint, a trifold poster, or a film (check with me beforehand), present the 4-6 photos to the class and tell the class the sustainability story which you are telling through the photos in about 5 minutes. Include the answers to the following questions: 1). Why you selected these photographs and what you learned about this community/neighborhood; 2). What community markers (e.g., abandoned buildings, vacant lots, etc.) help you to know the neighborhood and the physical themes of the county or city; 3). What actions could be taken (by you and/or others) within this place/context that would serve to address challenges you documented here; 4). How your strengths and skills could contribute to making a change.
Step 3: Proposal
In no less than one full page, double spaced write the story you will offer in your class presentation. Use the questions below as a guideline.
Steps:
• Mention the key physical community assets that you have noted where residents likely interact with one another (e.g., recreation/socialization/self-help centers).
• Point out those that are sustainable;
• Focus on those that are not sustainable.
• Identify changes do you find necessary for a more sustainable environment. In other words, describe the nature of the problem.
• Write a cost-benefit analysis.
• State who these changes would affect the community.
• Anticipate a counterproposal from a skeptic and show why other changes may not work as well as your proposal.
Grades/Submission: Submit this paper electronically in D2L, Evaluation, Dropbox, Short Essay.
Prepare this and all papers according to MLA guidelines.
First draft due: Thursday, February 17
Final draft due: Thursday, February 24
