Print this page Master Builder: The Life and Work of Robert Moses
J.M. Syken
Course Outline
Through the viewing of several archival/documentary films produced in the 1950s/70s/90s, we will examine the life and career of New York City’s “Master Builder” – Robert Moses (1888-1981).
We will examine his early life as a reformer and early projects such as Jones Beach State Park which endeared him to the public. Furthermore, we will examine his activities as New York City Construction Coordinator and the controversial projects that led to his decline in popularity and, ultimately, removal from office (in 1968)
This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.
Learning Objective
At the conclusion of this course, the student will:
- Understand/appreciate Robert Moses’ family background, education and early reformist activities;
- Understand/appreciate the relationship between Robert Moses and Al Smith – his political mentor;
- Understand/appreciate Moses’ appointment as Long Island Parks Commissioner and how that appointment led to the creation of Jones Beach State Park;
- Understand/appreciate Moses’ appointment as NYC Parks and Public Works Commissioner (1934) by Mayor LaGuardia and how that led to Moses’ many public works projects and the formation of his power base;
- Understand/appreciate how controversial projects such as the Cross Bronx Expressway and/or the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts led to Moses’ decline in popularity by the 1960s; and
- Understand/appreciate the legacy of Robert Moses to New York City and State.
Intended Audience
This course is intended for architects, engineers, contractors and other design/construction professionals.
Benefit to Attendees
The attendee/s will gain an intimate knowledge and insight into the life and times of New York City’s “Master Builder.”
Course Introduction
The course incorporates the viewing of several archival/documentary films broken down as follows;
- Part 1 – Master Builder
- Part 2 - Power Broker
- Part 3 – Height of Power
- Part 4 – Looking Back
Part 1 examines the creation of Jones Beach State Park and Robert Moses’ legacy to Long Island where he resided. Part 2 examines the life of Robert Moses, from powerless reformer to power broker. Part 3 examines Robert Moses at the height of his power in the early 1950s. Part 4 examines the legacy of Robert Moses taken in a retrospect by Moses himself.
Course Content
Part 1 – Master Builder;
TITLE: Robert Moses: Long Island’s Master Builder
LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGMdyCdCT9c
DURATION: 26:26
Part 2 – Power Broker;
TITLE: The World That Moses Built – Part 1
LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lUmI6mUzSH8
DURATION: 09:00
TITLE: The World That Moses Built – Part 2
LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&v=mtU-2KZJzRQ&NR=1
DURATION: 09:01
TITLE: The World That Moses Built – Part 3
LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r7UlM-AgIOg&feature=relmfu
DURATION: 09:01
TITLE: The World That Moses Built – Part 4
LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QiEd5KnGE6w&feature=relmfu
DURATION: 06:24
TITLE: The World That Moses Built – Part 5
LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=22JdtAhX4oU&feature=relmfu
DURATION: 09:01
TITLE: The World That Moses Built – Part 6
LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJtq9sdNuaU&feature=relmfu
DURATION: 09:01
TITLE: The World That Moses Built – Part 7
LINK: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o11VJ002Mjc&feature=relmfu
DURATION: 04:31
TOTAL DURATION: 55:59
Note: at the conclusion of each part, the next part will appear in the upper left corner of the viewing screen (click to play as a shortcut)
Part 3 – Height of Power;
TITLE: Longines Chronosscope with Robert Moses (1953)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/gov.archives.arc.95822
DURATION: 14:35
Part 4 – Looking Back;
TITLE: The Master Builder (1977)
LINK:http://www.pbs.com/wnet/blueprintamerica/video/the-dig-web-video-the-master-builder-1977/925/
DURATION: 60:33
Course Summary
When triumphant Roman generals led a victory parade through ancient Rome, beside them in the chariot was someone whispering in their ear: “Remember, all power is fleeting.” Robert Moses never had such a reminder whispered in his ear, rather, he had the scorn of the public to deal with when they thought his power was excessive and misused. In his mind, he was the one creating for the future while they were stuck in the past. He started out as public hero number one with projects like Jones Beach whereby he stood up to the wealthy elite of Long Island who didn’t want their private playground disturbed. He learned the hard way that public opinion can be a double-edged sword, especially when “urban renewal” or a bridge approach happens in their own back yard. But Robert Moses wasn’t interested or concerned with public opinion, his interests lay in results and that meant ends justifying means in every park, highway, bridge etc. that he built over his long and prolific career as NYC’s master builder.
Related Links
For additional technical information related to this subject, please visit the following websites:
http://en.wikipedia.com/wiki/Robert_Moses
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
