In FYS 101, exploring case studies provides an opportunity to deepen your understanding of self, campus, and community. These real-life narratives, historical events, and community issues help highlight the diverse experiences of Syracuse students and community members, and foster connections to broader goal of engaged citizenship. Through these assignments, you will critically examine identity, belonging, and engagement within and beyond Syracuse University.
For the group case study, you will examine a Syracuse community-based issue in order to explore how students can meaningfully engage with the broader Syracuse area and contribute to community efforts. Use these questions to guide your work:
1. Identify the Issue:
a. How would you summarize this case in your own words?
b. What are the social, political and/or economic challenges presented in the case?
c. Name one new thing you learned from the case study.
2. Understanding Impact:
a. Reflecting on our conversation about the construction of social identity and the “My Orange Tree” activity, how does the case prompt you to reflect on your understanding of the world around you?
b. What is one question you have about this case or something about this case that you’d like to know more about? If you could learn one more thing about this case, what would it be?
3. Reflecting on the Issue:
a. How might campus and community members collaborate to create meaningful change and address this issue?
b. Does this case study resonate with you? Why or why not?
c. How would you incorporate the knowledge gained from the case into your Personal Engagement Plan?
Due to historic redlining, Syracuse has one of the most racially segregated school systems in the nation. Nearly all school segregation occurs between districts, not within.
Resources:
A Syracuse resident’s life expectancy can vary by up to 15 years depending on where they live. South Side communities face higher rates of asthma, diabetes, and infant mortality.
Resources:
Life expectancy ZIP code data – New York State Health Foundation
Onondaga County Health Department Assessment and Improvement Plan
Interactive Data Tool: Life Expectancy by Zip Code NOTE: Link requires a subscription, use CountyHealthRankings instead.
Life Expectancy: Could where you live influence how long you live?
Syracuse’s South and Near West Sides are federally designated food deserts, areas with limited access to fresh, affordable food. Community groups are responding with gardens and co-ops.
Resources:
Onondaga Lake was once considered sacred by the Haudenosaunee and is now one of the most polluted lakes in the U.S. Cleanup efforts continue, but environmental burdens still disproportionately affect marginalized neighborhoods.
Resources:
Onondaga Nation Perspectives:
Onondaga Lake Clean Up: