Understanding Our Urban Environment Better: Using Archival Research and Digital Photography in the Classroom

Abstract

This pedagogical project focuses on urban environmental issues, encouraging students to explore historical events that inform contemporary environmental challenges through archival research, digital photography, and critical analysis. By examining social, economic, political, and cultural dimensions, students better understand the complex interdisciplinary nature of environmental issues and gain valuable field experience that bolsters engagement and facilitates action. Building on intellectual and reform traditions that recognize a link between narrative and action, this experiential education project encourages students to explore, define, and understand historic and contemporary environmental challenges in an urban context.