Seminar 2: The People of New York

Instructor: Edward (Ted) Widmer
Wednesdays 10 AM – 12:40 PM
Macaulay Classroom 204
Course Code: MHC 120
Modality: Hybrid synchronous

This class will study New York City, the great metropolis where you live. Like all Seminar 2 classes, there will be a strong emphasis on the people of NYC, in their tremendous diversity. We will begin with some basic history, looking at the earliest inhabitants of the region, and the waves of immigrants since then. We will also have an ongoing conversation about how the city feels right now, at a very divided moment in American politics. In addition to historical sources, we will look at other kinds of information, including mainstream media and social media. The class will ask students to read books and write papers, in the traditional way; but at the same time, students are encouraged to innovate, and pursue other forms of research (such as oral history, or creating podcasts or websites). Readings will be updated throughout the semester to respond to the never-ending news cycle that defines New York.

This is a ZTC (zero textbook cost) course.

In-Person Meeting DATES for Hybrid Courses
1/31, 2/7, 2/21, 3/6, 3/20, 4/3, 4/17, 5/1