This wide-ranging course in American political, social, and cultural history centers on American cities from their founding to the present. Alongside the discussion of general trends in American urban life, this Open UvA-college highlights one particular city in depth.
In the course 'Metropolitan America' you learn to understand a broad theme across time, and to interpret the rich primary source in its own specific moment. You will be introduced to topics such as the growth and development of American cities, the impact of the second industrial revolution on the urban landscape, the experiences of migration and immigration. We will also explore major issues in urban politics, suburbanisation and gentrification. A focus on one metropolitan area allows us to explore certain themes in greater depth: social issues specific to that city, literary and artistic representations, religious history and secularisation, architecture, urban planning, and the lives of particular figures.
This Open UvA course is part of the Faculty of Humanities' public programme. Beside Open UvA courses, the public programme also comprises special lectures and series of courses. The public programme is intended for alumni, employees looking for extra training, and all others who are interested in art, culture, philosophy, language and literature, history and religion.