Syllabus - MCD 5028: Civic Engagement and the Participatory Process in Community Development

Date: Summer 2019
Source: University of Detroit Mercy School of Architecture
Program: Master of Community Development
Course: MCD 5028 - Civic Engagement and the Participatory Process in Community Development
Instructor: Ceara O’Leary

Description

This seminar examines the recent history, theory and practice of community engagement in design and development. Coursework will emphasize effective methods for civic engagement and include case studies and guest speakers from Detroit and beyond. Civic engagement enables communities to directly participate in decision-making impacting their neighborhoods, resulting in more responsive and responsible projects. A robust system of civic engagement contributes to community capacity building and long-term change. An examination of the history and theory of civic engagement in community development and design will commence with the era of Urban Renewal and Civil Rights. Strategies and principles for effective engagement will draw from historical precedent as well as local and national projects, including current efforts in Detroit. Readings will include both case studies and process documentation.

This course seeks to enable architects and community developers to be more responsible professionals by unpacking how and why civic engagement strengthens community development and design processes. The objective of the course is to prepare MCD and Architecture students as they embark on research, design and development projects that are rooted in communities by equipping students with meaningful methods for civic engagement.