Adrienne Raphel: NYC Neighborhoods Research and Discussion: Using Data to Initiate Inquiry

This class activity can be completed synchronously or asynchronously.

INSTRUCTIONS:

  • READ the two short chapters in the textbook indicated below.
  • EXPLORE the NYT Interactive Map on neighborhoods.
  • EXPLORE the Guide to the Interactive Map.
  • START A NEW THREAD with your NAME and answer ALL of the following questions. 

TEXTBOOK: Read  “Introduction” and “The Research Process,” pp. 144-149, Join the Conversation

RESOURCES: Map of New York City Neighborhoods from the New York Times & Guide to the Map

Extremely Detailed Map

Extremely Detailed Guide

QUESTIONS:

  1. From this map, give three specific details that surprised you / that you didn’t know about already / that piqued your curiosity. For each one, pinpoint the area, and explain: Why were you surprised?
  1. Give three examples of sharp lines (where a neighborhood divides clearly)
  1. Give three examples of blurred areas (where people disagree about the boundaries)
  1. Find a neighborhood that you’re very familiar with – from work, school, life, etc. Give one to three comments about this neighborhood. (Hint: you can look at the “comments” tab on the map for some inspiration)
  1. Find a neighborhood you’ve never (or rarely) visited – give one question about this neighborhood that you had after looking at the map and the guide
  1. Give one area of inquiry about an area of the map: what questions do you have about a particular section, or about the whole endeavor? 
  1. How would you extend your research? Give FIVE possible SOURCES you might consult about this line of inquiry, and explain why you chose each of those sources. Also: how would you assess the validity of these sources?