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Instructor Class Description

Time Schedule:

Ken T Oshima
ARCH 498
Seattle Campus

Special Projects

Instructor-initiated and department-approved systematic study and offering of specialized subject matter. Topics vary and are announced in preceding quarter.

Class description

This seminar examines the contemporary urbanism, simultaneously connected to historical structures, the reality of today, and utopian visions past, present and future. The city today is porous between local and global forces, public and private realms, micro and macro scales, natural and constructed environments. Seattle will form the point of departure to identify its particularity and potential in relation to cities around the world ranging from Tokyo, Shanghai, New York and London – ultimately asking “Seattle: What If?” – which will be an exhibition at the Henry Art Gallery (Fall 2012). Seminar readings guided by student direction will establish a critical historical and theoretical framework for analyzing the city situated in multiple cultural, perceptual, and temporal contexts. Students will present further case-studies to be developed through the quarter as a research paper.

Student learning goals

General method of instruction

Seminar discussions, student presentations

Recommended preparation

Class assignments and grading

Seminar readings guided by student direction will establish a critical historical and theoretical framework for analyzing the city situated in multiple cultural, perceptual, and temporal contexts. Students will present further case-studies to be developed through the quarter as a research paper.


The information above is intended to be helpful in choosing courses. Because the instructor may further develop his/her plans for this course, its characteristics are subject to change without notice. In most cases, the official course syllabus will be distributed on the first day of class.
Last Update by Ken T Oshima
Date: 12/13/2009