Learning From South Phoenix

 

Open Letter to South Phoenix (Spring 2004)

Learning from South Phoenix is an Urban Geography class at Arizona State University, taught by Dr. Kristin Koptiuch.

The class spent six, five-hour classes in South Phoenix investigating, roaming, and learning about its geography and its diversity.  The remaining two weeks were spent in computer labs learning how to create websites enabling us to share our discoveries on the internet. 

We met with speakers and performed projects in the mornings and explored the area between 19th Avenue and 19th Street, south of the Baseline Road in the afternoons.  Two of my favorite projects were South Mountain Park and Habitat for Humanity. 

Our first week in South Phoenix, the class met at South Mountain Park.  I think the class was surprised with the beauty of the area.  Many of us who had never visited the park felt it was a diamond in the rough.  A beautiful pristine mountain range fully equipped with hieroglyphics in the middle of a very rough-looking South Phoenix neighborhood.  Although we did not have a chance to do any hiking, a park ranger gave the class a guided tour through the museum and introduced us to the history of Phoenix and the park.

The next week was a fun time when the class volunteered for Habitat for Humanity.  We learned and succeeded in attaching the roofing trim to a dual level roof of a four bedroom house.  Even though the only person with any construction experience in our group was Dr. Koptiuch, we worked well together and managed, with the help of Tom and Al (the experts), to trim the entire roof in just a few hours.  It was also helpful that the weather outdoors was a typical Phoenix winter day, sunny, in the high 70s.  We walked away with a great sense of accomplishment and giving upon completion of this assignment.

On our afternoon explorations, most people grouped up.  My group consisted of Jeremiah, Scott, Ginni and me.  Check out their websites, linked to their names.  Together we met many people, all of them nice and willing to answer questions and give their opinions on various subject matter.  Thank you South Phoenix!  We enjoyed the exploration and appreciate your courtesy.

 

 

 

 

 

Why Is South Phoenix Celebrating Jesse Owens?

South Phoenix Murals

New Hood

Who Is Trik Turner?

Memory Map

Home Page

 

 

Holland Home Page Contact Nikki.Holland@asu.edu