HIS 369 - Chicago: The Transformation of America’s Second City, 1880-1940 (1)

This course offers students the opportunity to explore the history of Chicago and complete an original research project based upon a first-hand exploration of the city and the holdings of the Newberry Library. The seminar will examine the crucial years in Chicago’s evolution from regional center to metropolis by looking at the related themes of urbanization, industrialization, and immigration. All of these developments are richly documented in the Newberry’s collections, which include archival materials pertaining to urban planning and architecture, immigrant life, African American communities, industrial growth and labor relations, political development, and diverse civic and commercial cultures. Drawing upon the Library’s collections, students will discover how the spatial formation of contemporary Chicago still reflects its historical origins, and will have the opportunity to use these rare materials in crafting their individual research papers. Prerequisite: junior standing or permission of instructor. Offered every third year. No alternate grade option.
(Humanities)