Instructor Insights
"We have to learn to talk to each other. Yes, this is hard work, and yes, you can do it."
In the episode of the Chalk Radio podcast embedded below, Professor Ceasar McDowell describes how he works with his students in 11.312 Engaging Community: Models and Methods for Designers and Planners, teaching them to use the tools of civic design to craft more inclusive forms of community engagement and decision-making.
Assessment
Grade Breakdown
The students’ grades were based on the following assessment elements:
- 15% Civic design skill assessment [Individual Effort]
- 40% Design briefs [Team Effort]
- 15% Reflection blog [Individual Effort]
- 15% Facilitation workshops [Team Effort]
- 15% Other requirements: weekly readings, class participation, leading a class discussion, etc.
Curriculum Information
Prerequisites
None
Requirements Satisfied
11.312 can be applied toward a Master’s Degree in City Planning, but is not required.
Offered
Every spring semester
Student Information
Enrollment
10 students
Breakdown by Year
Graduate students
Typical Student Background
The class consisted of a mix of graduate students, some being from MIT’s Department of Urban Studies and Planning and others having cross-registered from Harvard University.
How Student Time Was Spent
During an average week, students were expected to spend 12 hours on the course, roughly divided as follows:
In Class
Met 1 time per week for 3 hours per session; 13 sessions total; mandatory attendance
Out of Class
Outside of class, students completed assigned readings and short assignments, collaborated on a team-written design brief, and prepared for class activities.
