First-Year Seminar (101-6-24)

Topic

First-Year in the Second City: An Intro to Chi-T

Instructors

Clay Ross Cogswell

Meeting Info

University Hall 318: Tues, Thurs 11:00AM - 12:20PM

Overview of class

Located just north of one of America's most vibrant and historic cities, Northwestern University has had deep ties to Chicago since the school's founding in 1851. This first-year seminar will immerse you in Chicago, guiding you through an investigation of its rich literary and cultural life. Reading stories of the city's recent past like The Devil in the White City and Native Son, learning about today's writing scene through the iconic local magazine Poetry, studying the Chicago Blues that developed after the Great Migration, and shuttling down to our world-class libraries, students will gain a profound understanding of the city that starts just two miles south of campus. We will hold screenings of some of the best depictions of the city on film, including Ferris Bueller's Day Off and Chi-Raq. Working across different genres and media, from the blues riff to the narrative poem, this class will help you hone your writing and critical thinking skills while you get to know the city that will be your home over the coming years.

Teaching Method

Seminar discussion.

Evaluation Method

Short writing assignments, class participation, creative final project.

Class Materials (Required)

Larson, The Devil in the White City;
Wright, Native Son

Texts will be available at: Norris

Class Attributes

WCAS First-Year Seminar

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for First Year & Sophomore only
Add Consent: Department Consent Required
Drop Consent: Department Consent Required