Sidewalk Stories: Black Sociologists Unravel Urban Complexities

Catalog description

This intensive, writing-focused course introduces students to urban ethnography, tracing its evolution from W.E.B. Du Bois to contemporary scholars. Students will study key concepts, methodologies, and ethical considerations in urban ethnographic research through theoretical study and practical application. The curriculum covers seminal works by prominent Black sociologists, examining diverse aspects of urban life. Weekly ethnographic labs provide hands-on experience in fieldwork techniques. The course culminates in a collaborative research project, allowing students to apply their skills in a real-world urban setting. Through various writing assignments, students will develop their ability to produce compelling ethnographic narratives and rigorous academic analyses. By the end, students will have a comprehensive understanding of urban ethnography's historical development and contemporary applications, along with practical research and writing skills.