Read, in Rybczynski, Chapter 3. A New, Uncrowded World, pp. 50-83
As I've remarked before, one of the difficulties of "American Studies" is that there is really more than one "America". The North is not entirely like the South, and neither are like the West Coast, or the Middle West.
The same can be said about American Cities and Urban Spaces. As you've had a chance to do some exploring, I want to continue that this week, mostly today, but a little on Thursday, as well. I've also remarked before that it is a shame that our author doesn't provide illustrations, and lacking his, I want to have us do some exploring. I have created a chart, which you can find by clicking here.On the chart are all the places our author mentions. You will see that you have each been assigned two or three of the places mentioned. At the bottom of the chart, are a list of sources, linked. They will look like this:
What I want to do is see if you can find an image or item which relates to the places which you've which you've been assigned. Note that some of these places are not in this country, but if you use Google and Google Maps, you can most likely find them. You may not be able to find the precise place mentioned by Rybczyski, though that might be cool. But if not, don't worry about it. Find something which will give class members an idea of the place.
Two Examples: Above is a map of Concord at the time of the American Revolution. Below the Chicago Public Library a century or so later. The Chicago Public Library still exists. Though it has been re-purposed to another cultural purpose. To see what it looks like now, and the environment in which it exists,Click Here.
Read, in Rybczynski, Chapter 4. A Frenchman in New York
The Frenchman of whom Wrybcynski writes is Alexis de Tocquiville. Some of you may be a bit familiar with him because an excerpt of Democracy in America is included in the Core 102 document collection. The title of the chapter is a bit misleading, as de Tocquiville visited many, many places across the country. including down the Mississippi River to New Orleans.
It is useful, sometimes, to "see ourselves as others see us". What did de Tocquiville like about the places he visited, what did he criticize? We'll also find us meditating on the problems of very rapid growth, including problems of health and sanitation. I wonder if our visite had a clothespin for his nose when he visited New York City.
Be just a little careful as you read. Rybczynski quotes other authors with an interest in the development of cities and towns, including some similar to ones visited by de Tocquiville, but de Tocquiville never visited them.
Downtown New York at the Time of the American Revolution. Clickon the image to see a larger version.
As I've remarked before, one of the difficulties of "American Studies" is that there is really more than one "America". The North is not entirely like the South, and neither are like the West Coast, or the Middle West. 
