Reader Responses to Open Minds

Efforts that were started in 1970-1971 and made possible by the Open Curriculum had a positive, permanent impact on Brown. One was the creation of a group independent study project on the idea of cooperative living. That GISP led to the creation of Brown Association for Cooperative Housing (BACH) in 1970 and the first cooperative houses in the fall of 1971. They continue today, under a new name, and have been a positive for thousands of Brown students. The other was the ability for me to have an independent concentration in Urban Studies in 1970, which transitioned to the first Group Independent Concentration in Urban Studies in 1971. As a result of great support from my faculty sponsor, Ben Chinitz—who secured a grant—it continues at Brown 50 years later and has helped secure ties and relationships with the Providence community as well as creating an innovative educational platform.

The Open (not so new) Curriculum—thank you Ira and Elliot—has created amazing innovation for students on an individual level and for the institution on an organizational level. A recent stop off in Providence led me to say hello to some coop house residents and remember the work. So much more to accomplish