This course explores cities through an anthropological lens. We study the built environment and demographics of city neighborhoods as the result of political decisions, economic forces, and social processes. And we strive to understand the lived experiences of city residents, as well as how these city dwellers shape the urban spaces they live in. Coursework includes both archival and ethnographic research. Students explore census records and property deeds to begin to understand the history of residential segregation in U.S. cities. Then they spend time walking, observing, and documenting their observations of specific neighborhoods in the present. 

The final project for this course is a photo essay based on the archival and ethnographic research students have conducted over the course of the semester.

Here you can see the latest version of the syllabus for this course.