The Cities Program

By Melissa Brainerd

Staff Writer

his fall, thirty freshman braved the inaugural semester of the Cities Program. After being considered for many years, the Cities Program began this year with lofty goals and the enthusiasm of much of the Trinity community. The Cities Program brings a much needed expansion to the Trinity Curriculum. The third such program to be initiated (following Guided Studies: European Civilization and the Interdisciplinary Science Program), the Cities Program offers a greater perspective of life outside Trinity's iron walls.

Integrating the offerings of Hartford with readings from many disciplines, the Cities Program asks students to think beyond themselves. The selected students take six courses and an integrating project to understand the importance of urbanity historically and today. As the brochure states, "The Program views cities from a broad range of perspectives in the humanities and social sciences, drawing on insights from history, architectural history and urban planning, literary and cultural studies, anthropology, economics, politics, and sociology." Although the focus of the freshman seminar (the only fall semester course) has been New York City, the program as a whole offers a great opportunity to study Eastern as well as Western cultures; one area in which the Trinity curriculum has been lacking.

The program encourages students to understand the surrounding community both socially and academically. As with most American cities today, Hartford presents much of the best and worst of America. The crises of American cities on social, political, and economic levels command the attention and fear of many Americans. Unlike almost any other commanding world power in history, the United States's cities are declining in size, influence, and power. What is the fate of a country without the concentrated strength of cities? What is the cost of urbanization?

As a new program, the Cities Program's fall semester has been an experiment for everyone. Although some of the goals of the program have not yet been achieved, time should emphasize what issues need to be addressed. An increase in the number of speakers, outings to Hartford and other accessible cities, and outreach programs would greatly benefit and augment the readings of the students. Regardless of present obstacles, the enthusiasm of faculty, administration, and, most of all students, almost guarantees the success of the program. The new program works well in conjunction with Trinity College President Evan Dobelle's commitment to the surrounding Hartford neighborhoods. Trinity exists as a world removed from reality. Student life carries on regardless of world events, foreign policy, and local issues. This program raises student awareness of both foreign and local policy. Group outings, class readings, internships, and study abroad programs allow these students to enter the real world knowing what else is out there. The Cities Program is a great addition to the Trinity Curriculum and serves to maximize Trinity's downtown Hartford location.