This seminar explores the social, political, and economic development, as well as the transformation of African American urban experiences from the early 19^th century to the late 20^th century. Emphases will be placed on the social conditions of urban life, the impact of economic policies, geographical location, labor, migration, family and institutional development, and responses to new forms of social control.The course explores the relationship between racial identification and community formation, and assesses the impact of notions of community solidarity. It also examines the impact of class and gender on community formation.
 

The readings for this course include historical accounts, fiction, and other social science treatises, as well as films. This approach will allow students to examine the ways in which different disciplines address the urban experience. 
 

Students are expected to attend each session, actively participate in the discussion, and lead minimally one class. Short papers on each week’s topic should be presented at the beginning of each class session.
 

All students will prepare a research paper that explores themes developed during the course of the semester.