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Historic Preservation Home > Syllabi > 300 Level Courses > HISP 309-01 Preservation and Economic Development
DEPARTMENT OF HISTORIC PRESERVATION

PRESERVATION AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

HISP 309

Prof. Wendy L. Price
MW 7:00-8:15 P.M.
Fall 2001 Trinkle B39

COURSE SYLLABUS

Description

This course will explore how historic preservation is being used as an economic development tool. Increasingly, preservation professionals are expected to confront economic issues in the workplace and provide workable solutions. Students will be introduced to current topics and debates, including how local planning decisions and policies affect economic development. Students will also learn about potential sources of funding for preservation. The assigned readings are meant to facilitate classroom discussion.

Requirements

1. Assigned readings and participation in class

Every student is expected to come to class prepared to discuss the reading assignment and related class topic. Instead of using a lecture format, this course will focus on readings and discussion sessions.

2. Discussion supplement

The Beaumont text contains very specific examples of programs and tools available to preservationists. However, students of preservation should understand that information changes constantly. Although the text is relatively recent (1996), the examples given have evolved and new programs now exist. This exercise will give students the chance to discuss the material as well as learn about more recent developments.

Each student will be assigned one of the Beaumont chapters in the Policy/Planning section of the course. Based on research, the student will update a topic mentioned in the reading assignment or find a similar related program that illustrates the chapter's content. Sources of material are available on the Internet or in the Department's periodical library. The student will summarize the updated or new material in one typed page and attach a copy of the web page or relevant article (one to two pages is sufficient). Each student should also be prepared to discuss his or her findings during class discussion.

3. Midterm Exam

4. Grant Writing Assignment

Students will be allowed to choose from a selection of proposed projects (or one of their own ideas) for this assignment. Each student will be responsible for generating a list of three potential grant sources available for the project based on research at Simpson Library and for writing a 1 page proposal of the project that could be submitted to one of the grant sources.

5. Case Study Paper and Presentation

Each student will be asked to research and write a case study paper (approximately 5-7 pages) describing a community that is currently using historic preservation as an economic development tool. Each student will select a community (any place in the country except Fredericksburg, VA) that he/she will research in-depth in order to write the case study. Examples of short case studies are available in the Beaumont text, the Gratz text, Information Series booklets (on reserve) and in many seminar room periodicals.

The paper should explore why particular economic development strategies or methods were selected, how they were implemented, any problems associated with implementation, success rates (and method of measuring), alternatives, etc. Each student will be asked to give an oral presentation (with appropriate visuals) (approximately 7 minutes in length) outlining the case study during the last week of class.

6. Final Exam


All assignments should be completed in accordance with the guidelines contained in A Manual for Writers (6th ed.), Kate L. Turabian. If you are not familiar with Turabian, please remedy this situation ASAP! Note: Only footnote or endnote citations are permissible; no parenthetical references.

Grading Criteria

The course requirements will be graded on a point system in order to enable students to keep track of their progress easily. The point system is as follows:

75 Class discussion and participation
50 Discussion supplement
75 Midterm Exam
50 Grant Writing Assignment
100 Case Study Paper
50 Case Study presentation
100 Final Exam
500 Total Points


Individual Assignments

For individual assignments, each student will be given a point value. The percentage can be calculated by dividing the point value by the total number of points available. For example, if an assignment is worth a total of 50 points and a student receives 44 points, the equivalent percentage is 44/50 or 88% (a B+). The instructor will typically give students both the point value and the equivalent percentage when handing back assignments.

Grading Scale

For individual assignment grades

A 100% - 94%
A- 93% - 90%
B+ 89% - 87%
B 86% - 83%
B- 82% - 80%
C+ 79% - 77%
C 76% - 73%
C- 72% - 70%
D+ 69% - 67%
D 66% - 60%
F below 60%

For course grades

A 500-470 points
A- 469-450
B+ 449-435 points
B 434-415
B- 414-400
C+ 399-385 points
C 384-365
C- 364-350
D+ 349-335 points
D 334-300
F 299 or less points


Note: No passing grade can be achieved in this course without the completion of each and every course requirement.

Assignments

All assignments must be pledged . In the event an assignment is turned in without being pledged, the instructor reserves the right to withhold recording a grade until an assignment is pledged and resubmitted. Students are expected to abide by the provisions of the MWC Honor Code when completing all assignments.

All assignments must be stapled or paper clipped and are due on the assigned date at the BEGINNING of class unless specified otherwise by the instructor. There will be a 5 minute grace period at the beginning of class while the instructor collects assignments. Any assignment that is turned in after the 5 minute grace period will automatically be marked down the equivalent of one letter grade (no exceptions!). Thereafter, for every hour the assignment is past due the equivalent of one letter grade will be deducted.

Computer Problems

When completing all assignments, students are expected to allow sufficient time for computer-related problems. However, every student in the course is allotted one (1), and only one, computer “freebie” for the semester with respect to late assignments. This “freebie” will constitute an exception to the late assignment policy stated above; provided that the student notifies the instructor before class of the technical problem.

Make-up Tests

A student who has an excused absence for the mid-term will be allowed to take a make-up test during the last week of classes. Make-up tests will not be given on any other date .

Classroom Behavior

Each and every student is expected to be respectful and attentive when other students are making comments or asking questions. In order to maintain an atmosphere that is conducive to learning and participation, rude and disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. Additionally, while the instructor encourages class participation from everyone, students with a tendency to be outspoken are asked to keep their participation to a reasonable level so that they do not monopolize class time or intimidate other students.


Cell Phones and Pagers

Out of respect for all students, cell phones and pagers must be turned off during the time that class is in session. If a student has an emergency, please ask that someone call the department main number (654-1041) and Judy Brushwood will see that a message reaches you.

Required Texts

Beaumont, Constance E. Smart States, Better Communities . Washington, D.C.: National Trust for Historic Preservation, 1996.

Gratz, Roberta Brandes and Norman Mintz. Cities Back From the Edge: New Life for Downtown . New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1998.

Instructor Information

Office Hours
Monday 1:30-2:30 P.M.
Tuesday 3:30-4:30 P.M.
Wednesday 1:30-3:30 P.M.
Friday 10:00-11:00 A.M.
or by appointment
Office Phone 654-1312
e-mail wprice@mwc.edu

Students are encouraged to visit the instructor to discuss class assignments or other topics of interest. However, due to time constraints, visits must be restricted to office hours or appointments. Quick questions or requests should be sent by e-mail.


COURSE ASSIGNMENTS AND READINGS


8/27 Overview of syllabus and course requirements
Video - Reinvesting in Virginia's Past

8/29 Video - Historic Preservation and Downtown Renewal

9/3 Video - Historic Preservation and Downtown Renewal, con .

9/5 Local Economic Development - lecture

POLICY/PLANNING

9/10 Money for Historic Preservation
reading: Beaumont, pp. 61-86
9/12 State Tax Incentives
reading: Beaumont, pp. 89-123

9/17 Regulatory Barriers/Agencies
reading: Beaumont, pp. 127-150

9/19 Transportation Policy
reading: Beaumont, pp. 221-258

9/24 Development Alternatives
reading: Beaumont, pp. 261-321

9/26 Midterm Exam

DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION

10/1 Downtown Revitalization - Mansfield, Ohio
reading: Gratz, pp. 1-31

10/3 Downtown Revitalization - Project Planning
reading: Gratz, pp. 33-56; 59-82

10/8 Downtown Revitalization - Traffic & Transit
reading: Gratz, pp. 87-109; 113-136

10/10 Downtown Revitalization - Retail
reading: Gratz, pp. 169-192; 209-231

10/15 No Class - Fall Break

10/17 Downtown Revitalization - Downtown Essentials
reading: Gratz, pp. 235-249; 251-271

GRANT WRITING

10/22 Guest Speaker - Jack Warren
Managing Director, Historic Fredericksburg Foundation

10/24 Discussion
review The Foundation Center's web site <http://fdncenter.org>

ADAPTIVE USE

10/29 Guest Speaker - Robin Miller
Miller & Associates, Richmond, VA

10/31 Little Tokyo, Los Angeles, CA
* Grant Writing Assignment due

reading - “Remembering Little Tokyo on First Street”
The Power of Place: Urban Landscapes as Public History

MAIN STREET PROGRAM

11/5 Guest Speaker - Tim Pfohl, Downtown Revitalization Planner
Virginia Main Street Program

11/7 Discussion
reading: Beaumont, pp. 191-204 review Main Street web site <http://www.mainst.org>

PRESERVATION FUNDRAISING

11/12 Fundraising for Preservation Organizations
reading: Successful Fundraising Activities for Preservation Organizations
Information Series (on reserve)
Fundraising Class Exercise

11/14 Revolving Funds
reading: Preservation Revolving Funds, Information Series (on reserve)

HERITAGE TOURISM

11/19 Current Issues in Heritage Tourism - lecture

11/21 No Class - Thanksgiving Break

11/26 Video - Gambling with History
*Case Study Papers due

11/28 Video - Gambling with History

12/3 Paper Presentations

12/5 Paper Presentations

FINAL EXAM Monday, December 10 7:00-10:00 P.M.