Reading a Local Ecoscape
GROUP WORK: 5 to 6 PEOPLE
The purpose of this assignment is to strengthen your ability to discern, understand and explain the ways human beings and physical spaces interact over time. You will practice observing the changing physical and cultural character of a local ecoscape over the course of a semester. You will do research on this place in order to understand the past from which it came. You will speculate on the future of this place.
Important Dates:
20 SEPTEMBER: Description of Chosen Ecoscape--The Essentials:The group needs to turn in a brief description of the ecoscape you have chosen to research and observe. (See below for restrictions.) The description should include a map showing the location of the chosen site, and a list of group members. The written part of the description should be at least one paragraph (typed) in length, up to one page.
27 NOVEMBER: Completed Project Due
Choice of Ecoscape:
The ecoscape you choose should be accessible by all members of the group, in most weather conditions (blizzards or other severe conditions would be an obvious exception). It should be one that can be easily taken in from a single vantage point, or of a size that permits detailed exploration with minimal travel. (In other words, something like a football field, a sculpture garden, a pond or small lake, or a small island, would be appropriate. Something like an entire campus, or a flowerbed, would fall outside the acceptable range.) It should have some historical presence. If it doesn’t appear in the archival records in some form (it may have a different name, but should be the same physical location), you will not be able to complete the project. Please see me if you have questions about this. For the above reasons, you are limited to the grounds of St. Olaf’s and Carleton’s campuses. You will need to turn in a description of your choice on the 20th of September (see above).One Observation per Week (minimum):
Each week at least one member of the group should visit your ecoscape and observe what he or she finds there. Pay particular attention to change ? or the lack of it. A descriptive logbook is a good way for the group to keep track of your observations. It can include written descriptions, photographs, sketches, etc. It is probably a good idea to note the date, time, and who did the observation. Rotating through the group and having multiple observers is recommended; people tend to notice different things, and to have different skills when it comes to explaining what they observed. Agreeing on a format for the observations will make integrating them easier later. NOTE: This is meant to be an evolving project, so you must contribute to it weekly. You cannot wait until the last moment!Research and Write-Up:
The completed project must address each of the following:You are encouraged to draw on the readings -- especially The Language of Landscape-- to help you make your observations and defend your assertions.Overview: Basic description of the place and the project.
Your initial description will form the basis of this section (modified to account for any new thoughts, of course). The idea is to introduce your reader to this place.Past: What is the history of this place?In order to answer this question, you will need to visit the campus archives (and possibly others, depending on the site) and do some research. What changes have taken place here? What has remained the same? What might the effects of this past be? How does knowing the past help you understand the present?Present: What is this place and what does it mean, now?Your observations will form the core of this section. Some things you might consider: weather, the presence or absence of plants and animals (including people), people’s ideas and attitudes about this place, physical shape of the place, whether it is static or dynamic, whether the influence of human beings is obvious or subtle, etc.Future: What will -- or should -- this place be?This is your chance to assess and speculate on the future of this site. For example: Do you think it should continue in its present form? Should changes be made? Will changes occur even if people don’t deliberately cause them? Is this a good or bad thing? The group should come to an overall conclusion about the future of this ecoscape and the meaning of that future.
Format:
The basic format is a 6-8 page paper (1 inch margins, 12-point font, double-spaced). A separate title page (which isn’t included in the page count) should list the title, names of all group members, the course name, and the date. Additional supporting material -- maps, photographs, sketches, samples, recordings, etc. -- is warmly encouraged, but not included in the page total (so you can include as many as you want). All pages should be numbered (including supporting materials) except the title page. Use the Chicago Style of citation (footnotes/endnotes). If you’re unfamiliar with using this style, please come see me.
Practical Considerations:
First, finished work must be neat, organized and thoughtful. This includes supporting materials.
Second, finished work will be assessed on its effectiveness and thoughtfulness rather than the effort required to complete it. Writing and revising a draft version or two is recommended. I am happy to read drafts, given a week’s advance notice.
Third, keep the limits of technology in mind. If you have supporting materials that require sophisticated equipment to render them intelligible, check first to ensure that they are compatible with my equipment. Similarly, expect printers to break, computers to crash, and discs to land in mud puddles, and take the necessary steps to prevent disaster.
If you have any questions or specific concerns, please talk with me about them as soon as they arise. In any case, I’m happy to talk with you about your ideas and your work -- no problems required!