Taught By:
Derin Ozlem Atalay
Coordinator and Lecturer
Liberal Arts Action Lab, Center for Hartford Engagement and Research
Trinity College
Read profile here.
Course Description:
This course offers a unique opportunity for students to collaborate with a Neighborhood Revitalization Zone (NRZ) in Hartford to address the pressing issue of declining and vacant properties in the area. Our community partner has tasked us with researching how neighborhood residents can leverage their social and political resources to tackle this challenge.
Students will work closely with residents from the neighborhood surrounding Trinity College to explore existing urban planning and community development efforts. Through a combination of research, interviews, and community engagement activities, students will gain insights into the underlying causes of neighborhood decline and the potential avenues for revitalization.
The course will culminate in the creation of a roadmap to effect change, outlining actionable steps for residents and stakeholders to take in addressing the issue of declining and vacant properties. By actively engaging with the community and applying theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges, students will develop valuable skills in community organizing, urban planning, and social advocacy.
