Assignment
FIRST: The texts we read this semester are pretty tough to comprehend. Since this is an online class, we don't have the benefit of conversation in person, we can't muddle through them together in the traditional way. For this reason, I've created some notes for you to read, similar to a lecture. These should help you understand the reading as you move through it. Please refer to the notes as you read (posted on the course page and emailed to you).
SECOND: Please respond to the discussion questions below. This will constitute your attendance for this week. You are also graded on your discussion responses. Grades are predicated on:
1) timely submission (1/3 letter grade reduction for each late day)
2) comprehension
3) effort
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR THIS WEEK:
1. In order to understand Harvey's argument, it's important to understand surplus value, and why capitalists need to constantly create surplus value and reinvest it. This is how and why markets are constantly expanded in a capitalist society (i.e. an example might be the expansion of beef production outside of the U.S. to African countries--this is an expansion of the U.S. beef market by those who own beef production companies).
What is surplus value? Can you give an example of why capitalists need to create surplus value? How is surplus value extracted from workers? Give an example from the text.
2. Harvey argues that property ownership is a form of civic pacification. He also suggests that reshaping cities to make them sources of pleasure for those can afford to spend money are a form of distraction from engaging in civic life.
What does he mean by these statements? Also, what does he mean by Pacification by Cappucino?
3. Finally: Harvey's text "The Right to the City" is couched in the following questions. How might you answer them?
How should we redesign cities to reflect what it means to be treated equally, to create an improved human-centered (and not profit centered) urban environment? What do you feel it means to be a citizen and have a right to the city?
Attachment:- Attachments.rar