This course will study the peoples and peopling of New York City through the lens of food and eating. We will look at a number of themes that relate to social and cultural experience in New York City, including historical and contemporary immigration and migration; work experiences; settlement patterns and assimilation; community and neighborhood; commerce and business; and conflict and cooperation.
Our sources will include a variety of readings and films, our own experiences and memories and those of our families, visits to sites in New York City, and guest speakers. Assignments include in-class and online discussions and formal writing assignments throughout the term, and our culminating project – an interactive group website focusing on food and community in New York City.
