In this seminar, students will investigate the social and political forces that have shaped immigrant life in New York City.  In particular, we will examine how the construction of “race” and the persistence of racism affect ethnic identity, inter-ethnic relations, and the changing conditions of the city’s neighborhoods.  Throughout the semester, students will be asked to challenge popular viewpoints, myths, and ideologies concerning “race” and NYC.  Students will gain a strong understanding of “race” as a social, legal, and political construct.  We will address the history of whiteness and how it influences immigrant experiences and relationships today.  We will also discuss the factors that facilitate or impede assimilation for different groups of immigrants.

Students will be expected to develop creative weekly presentations that illustrate key ideas from course readings.  Students will also complete a neighborhood project in which they investigate how and why the neighborhood has changed, examining relevant community organizations and political struggles.  These projects will be displayed publicly on our course website, which students will design.