The Irish and New York

SAME AS HIST-UA.0180.

This course considers the symbiotic relationship between a developing metropolis and an immigrant people since the 18th century, with a special concentration on significant mid-19th century political, social and cultural changes when New York City was dramatically altered by the Irish. The ultimate goal of this course is to learn to think critically about the past. Students will explore how certain themes and events are used to define and mythologize the urban and ethnic, and consider the factors beyond race and language which help define and preserve ethnic group identity over time.

Explores the symbiotic relationship between New York City and the Irish from the 18th through the 20th centuries, as well as the impact of political, social, and cultural changes in Ireland and America on a transnational population. Factors beyond race and language, which help define and preserve ethnic group identity, as well as the city?s role in the creation of a pseudo-Irish identity that is disseminated on both sides of the Atlantic, are also explored. Readings are broadly drawn from immigration, urban, and social history. Primary documents, literature, and film are also used as texts.