HIST 228 History of London: The Global City

This course focuses on the history and development of one of the world’s greatest global cities, London, from the Roman invasion of 43 CE to the twenty first century. This course is designed to provide a broad overview of the historical development of London over the past 2000 years and is organized both chronologically and thematically, moving from Roman Londinium to Margaret Thatcher’s redevelopment of Canary Wharf and beyond. The aim is to explore the ways in which different forces – politics, economy, environment, and culture – shaped the city that we see today, from its streets and buildings to its institutions and people. In doing so, we will examine how questions of class, race, gender, sexuality, and nationality played out within the urban landscape, with a special emphasis on immigrant communities in London in order to explore the interconnectedness of cultures within the city.

In addition to the readings, excursions, and written work, students will conduct ethnographic work in pairs on a topic of their own interest relating to our class material. This may be based in a particular place (or, more broadly, on a group of people). Readings on topics such as neighborhoods, class, and migration experience provide a framework for understanding the detail of this assignment.

Along the way students will learn about the methods that scholars have used to analyze London’s past and present, the original sources and material culture for London’s history, and (occasionally) the debates which emanate from research. One aim of the course will be for you to come to know and appreciate London as a historic urban site, which we will explore as a case study each week in guided walks and site visits.