An Illustrated Cultural History of NYC: From Mannahatta Through the Gilded Age with George Scheper, PhD

An Illustrated Cultural History of NYC: From Mannahatta Through the Gilded Age
Instructor: George Scheper, PhD*
October 19 - November 23 (6 Sessions)
Mondays, 6:00PM - 8:00PM ET
Virtual va Zoom

Brought to you by Odyssey  

Course Description: From Native American Mannahatta to the glittering mansions of the Gilded Age, New York City has continually reinvented itself while shaping the history of the nation. This interdisciplinary course explores the people, places, and ideas that transformed a small Dutch trading post into America's cultural and economic capital.

Trace New York's evolution through its defining landmarks and public works, including the city's famous grid plan, the Erie Canal, Croton Reservoir, Central Park, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty, and Ellis Island. Along the way, we will examine pivotal moments in the city's history, from colonial New Amsterdam and British rule to the Civil War Draft Riots and the waves of immigration that reshaped the city's neighborhoods and identity.

The course also explores the rich cultural life of New York through its literature, art, architecture, and diverse communities. We will encounter the worlds of Henry James, Edith Wharton, Stephen Crane, and Jacob Riis while examining the city's growth from colonial streets to Beaux-Arts grandeur and the dawn of the skyscraper age.

Join us for a fascinating journey through the history, culture, and enduring spirit of one of the world's most influential cities.

*Top Rated Instructor

Explore the full Fall 2026 Odyssey catalog and discover engaging courses taught by Johns Hopkins alumni, faculty and community experts.

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