Thanks to a generous grant from the Mellon Foundation, Barnard has the opportunity to create a radically new course prototype. To balance the virtual component of the course, its topic is grounded in the study of material objects and spaces available in New York City. This course model leverages both Barnard’s real location and its digital resources. Yet it remains fundamentally within Barnard’s tradition of courses which structure a field of knowledge through the organization and presentation of a field’s most creative scholarship.

A 1-point digital laboratory, taught by members of Barnard’s IMATS team, is coordinated with a 4-point seminar, taught by Anne Higonnet. Each graduate fellow coaches and assists one team of seminar students. IMATS offers students customized technical support, and advises students on reproductions rights issues. Sarah Greene, the Barnard Teaches program manager, offers students technical assistance during two open office hours a week.