Your task for this module is once simple and complex: tease out the beliefs and values of the planners of the Columbian Exposition—and then add Holmes as well. Pick two planners, and then select one belief or value for each of them. (Tip: Pick two planners who have different beliefs or values—or if they do share the same belief or value, explain how they demonstrate that belief/value differently from one another. Cite passages from the book (from parts I or II, with page numbers) that support your claims. Then follow the same procedure for Holmes.
I encourage you to find non-obvious beliefs and values, but if you’d like to argue for what a planner valued most of all, you’re welcome to do that, too. In such an approach, for example, you might argue that Burnham was more interested in aesthetics than safety or innovation.
If you’re stuck, here are some beliefs and values (or things that were valued and things that were believed in) represented in the book, off the top of my head. I’m confident you can argue for and support other beliefs and values as well.
- aesthetics/beauty of design
- innovation (of design or experience)
- strength
- reputation
- safety
- the past
- the future
- entertainment
- terror/fear
- love
- the power/influence of the individual (over what’s popular, over the powerful/elites, or to change minds)
- loyalty
- conformity or uniformity
- public service
- urban way of life
- wildness/nature/rurality
- the sublime
- populism/democracy
- elites
- sanitation
- national pride
- municipal pride
Post due by 11 p.m. on Saturday, April 9.