This is an archived course. A more recent version may be available at ocw.mit.edu.

 

Syllabus

Course Meeting Times

Lectures: 1 session / week, 2 hours / session

Syllabus Archive

The following syllabi come from a variety of different terms. They illustrate the evolution of this course over time, and are intended to provide alternate views into the instruction of this course.

Fall 2010, Robert Fogelson (PDF)

Fall 2009, Robert Fogelson (PDF)

Fall 2008, Robert Fogelson (PDF)

Fall 2004, Robert Fogelson (PDF)

Description

This is a seminar course that explores the history of selected features of the physical environment of urban America. Among the features considered are parks, cemeteries, tenements, suburbs, zoos, skyscrapers, department stores, supermarkets, and amusement parks. The course gives students experience in working with primary documentation sources through its selection of readings and class discussions. Students then have the opportunity to apply this experience by researching their own historical questions and writing a term paper.