Seminar: One Acre Project (4632)

The "One Acre Project" is a nickname for (what I hope is) an interesting research project. The idea is to choose one small plot of land and examine its history of possession and use through time, as a way of examining the societies within which it existed through time. For example, one might choose a plot of land in Minneapolis --say, the corner of 38th and Chicago --and examine what we know about its history, starting with the indigenous people who would have used it, and going forward through centuries and decades to today. Who possessed it? Who used it? How was it used? Who had what rights with regard to it, and what was the source of those rights? Who didn’t have rights to it, and why not? What happened there? What does that tell us about the societies in which it has existed?
We could ask similar questions about a plot of land in, say, Kentucky, or New York City, or Ethiopia, or Laos, or Mexico. The possibilities are limitless. Ideally, we’ll have a diverse group of students from many places and walks of life who are interested in investigating a place of particular interest.
Each student will choose a particular plot of land and investigate its legal and social history. You’ll then write up what you learn and make a short video about it. Your grade will be based primarily on the effort you make (about 75%), and also on the quality of the project you produce (about 25%). Students who register for three credits must also meet the requirements for the long paper with their final written product.
Caveats: I have never attempted to teach this seminar before. I’ve done my own ‘One Acre’ projects, but never within the confines of a seminar. I don’t know that it will work well – we’ll find out together. Moreover, the Covid-19 pandemic may limit the historical resources that would otherwise be available to us. But as long as you’re willing to try, welcome!