City of the American Century: The Culture and Politics of Urbanism in Postwar New York City

This seminar will investigate the life, history and culture of New York City from World War II to the fiscal crisis of the mid 1970's, with a particular interest in transformations in the built environment of the city and region. We will primarily focus on the cultural representations, intellectual visions, and political struggles that arose around these transformations, but will also consider their effects on everyday life. Enrollment limited to 20 juniors, seniors, and graduate students concentrating in American Studies.