SOUTHEAST MISSOURI STATE UNIVERSITY
COURSE SYLLABUS
Department of History
Course Title: Historic Preservation-Based Economic Revitalization
Course Number: HP589
New: Fall 2009
I. Catalogue Description and Credit Hours
A study of the role of historic preservation in the revitalization of America’s historic downtown.
(3 hours)
II. Prerequisite(s)
None
III. Purposes or Objectives of Course
In this course students will:
A. Explore the history of downtown commercial districts and the various factors that account for
their development during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries and their eventual
decline after World War II.
B. Be able to identify the typical building types and development patterns that constitute
traditional downtown commercial districts.
C. Analyze and discuss the various strategies used to promote downtown revitalization in
response to the changes occurring after World War II.
D. Demonstrate a working knowledge of the principles of the historic preservation-based
strategy for downtown revitalization embodied in the National Trust for Historic
Preservation’s Four Point Main Street Approach.
E. Demonstrate the ability to apply the theory of historic preservation-based economic
revitalization to the problems found in the cities and towns of contemporary America
F. Gain practical experience working with the concepts of the Main Street Four Point Approach.
IV. Expectations of Students
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
F.
Attend class regularly.
Actively participate in class discussion.
Read all materials assigned.
Complete all written and oral assignments in a timely manner.
Demonstrate mastery of course content on examinations and/or other assessments.
Complete a comprehensive course project.
V. Course Outline or Content
Hours
A. History of downtown commercial districts
3
1. Walking city
2. Industrial city
B.
Decline of downtown commercial districts following World War II
3
1. Transportation changes
2. Suburbanization
3. Rise of “big box” retailers
C. Traditional design elements of downtown commercial buildings
3
1. Building design
2. Storefront design
3. Walking tour of downtown Cape Girardeau
D. Post World War II downtown revitalization strategies
6
1. Urban renewal
2. 1970s Rouse Corporation redevelopment programs
3. Rise of the Creative Class and the new urbanism
E. Preservation based economic revitalization
3
1. Origins of National Trust for Historic Preservation Main Street initiative
2. Expanding the model: Urban Main Streets
3. Main Street in the neighborhoods: Elm Street program
National Trust for Historic Preservation’s
Main Street Four Point Approach
F.
1.
2.
3.
4.
24
Design
Organization
Promotions
Economic Restructuring
G. The future of the past downtown
3
1. Trends for downtown and their effect on historic preservation efforts
2. Preservation as an economic development strategy
Total class hours = 45
VI. Textbook(s) and/or Other Required Materials or Equipment
Revitalizing Main Street: A Practitioner's Guide to Comprehensive Commercial District
Revitalization Washington, D.C.: National Main Street Center, 2009.
A Manual for Small Downtowns. Martin Shields, Tracey Farrigan. University Park: The
Pennsylvania State University, 2001
Organizing a Successful Downtown Revitalization Program Using the Main Street Approach.
Olympia, WA: Office of Trade & Economic Development, n.d.
America's New Downtowns: Revitalization or Reinvention? Larry R. Ford. The Johns Hopkins
University Press, 2003.
Preserving And Enhancing Communities: A Guide for Citizens, Planners, And Policymakers.
Elisabeth M. Hamin. Univ. of Massachusetts Press, 2007.
VII. Basis for Student Evaluation
Undergraduate Students:
Midterm Exam
Final Exam
Course Project
Class Participation
Graduate Students
25%
25%
40%
10%
Midterm Exam
Final Exam
Course Project
Analytical Paper
Class Participation
15%
15%
40%
10%
20%
The weight of evaluation criteria may vary at the discretion of the instructor and will
be indicated at the beginning of each course.
Grading Scale (undergraduate):
A= 90-100%
B= 80-89%
C=70-79%
D=60-69%
F=59% or below
Grading Scale (graduate):
A= 90-100%
B= 80-89%
C=70-79%
F=60% or below
VIII. Academic Policy Statement
The Undergraduate Bulletin defines academic dishonesty as “…those acts which would deceive,
cheat, or defraud so as to promote one’s scholastic record…”, and states that “[v]iolations of
academic honesty represent a serious breech of discipline and may be considered grounds for
disciplinary action, including dismissal from the university”. Students are expected to
understand and abide by the rules governing academic honesty. The official statement about
academic honesty, including plagiarism, may be accessed at:
http://www.semo.edu/bulletin/pdf/2006Bulletin.pdf. Additional information may be accessed at:
http://www6.semo.edu/judaffairs/. Penalties for academic dishonesty range from failing the
assignment and/or failing the course to expulsion from the University.
IX. Student with Disabilities Statement
Southeast Missouri State University is committed to making every possible educational
accommodation for students with disabilities. Many services and accommodations which aid a
student’s educational experience are available for students with various types of disabilities.
Students may obtain official information about disabilities from Learning Assistance and
Disability Support Services, located at: http://www.semo.edu/cs/services/lec.htm.