How do the physical spaces that surround us and the material objects that inhabit these spaces influence our thoughts and actions? In this course, we will examine the relationship between rhetoric (the art of persuasion) and the built environments that we move through, around, and/or between. Our readings will focus on public space, city landscapes, college campuses, and more. In the second half of the quarter, we will focus on readings that specifically tackle sociopolitical issues that are often connected to spaces and places (e.g., gentrification). It is my hope that the skills we gain in this course will help us formulate complex arguments and insights regarding these issues.

This course satisfies the University of Washington's "W" requirement."