Preface:

The city emerged as a radical, new way of living. It provided a place for entertainment, production, creativity, a testing ground for democracy, a space to explore the greatness of the human spirit-a place for risk takers and those seeking excitement. But the city is also seen as an overload to our brain, placing us in fight or flight mode; with its lights, signs, noise, traffic, pollution and crowds, it is too demanding and fast paced. These are bold assertions to be sure—and both truthful. In this class we examined how race, class, and gender shape how we experience the city and enable us to see it through both of these perspectives. Specific topics included urban economics, division/difference, public space, freedom/control, gentrification, surveillance, fear, the city in our imagination, and the city of the future.