CLASS SCHEDULE - FRIDAYS - FALL 2017BEFORE OUR FIRST CLASS
You will definitely need some comfortable walking shoes or sneakers for this class (we will be on our feet for about 7 hours each class). If you are planning to buy new walking shoes, make sure to break them in before the class begins. The week before our first class begins, check the LIRR schedule if you are travelling from Nassau or Suffolk. We will be meeting for each class at Penn Station at 11am, so check for off-peak trains departing from your local LIRR station at or before 10am. We will be returning from the city around 7pm for most classes, so you may want to check the schedule for return trips as well. (Please note that off-peak LIRR trains begin to run only after 8pm, so if you want to save a bit of money, plan accordingly.) If you are travelling into the City on the Long Island Railroad, you may want to consider buying a 10 trip ticket, since this will save you some money. You can purchase these tickets from your home station any time before the class begins. The day before our class, check homepage of this site for any important announcements. You should also check out the latest weather reports, so you can dress appropriately. In the event of rain--even fairly heavy rain--we will still have class as scheduled, and an umbrella will definitely come in handy. If you feel insecure going into the city on your own, you are more than welcome to travel in with Dr. Russo. He will be leaving from the Merillon Ave. Station in Garden City. Contact him for the departure time for trains from that station. What to bring with you into the City: for each of our classes, you should bring writing materials to take notes, a camera or cell phone to take photos for your journal, a metrocard and lunch (if you prefer that to eating out). ORIENTATION CLASS [AUG 30, 2017]
The orientation for this class is required of all students. During the orientation, you'll be given important information about the requirements for this course and learn how to set up your student course website. Remember to bring funds to pay for your course text ($17).
CLASS 1: MIDTOWN EAST & QUIXOTIC QUEENS AND [SEPT 8]
Our first class will involve a good deal of walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes. We'll begin with an walk though Midtown East, checking out Grand Central Central Station, the lobby of the Chrysler and the Daily News buildings, and some of the amazing skyscrapers along Lexington and Park Avenues. After that it's Indian lunch (on us!) in Jackson Height's Queens, followed by a visit to the Museum of the Moving Image in Astoria. We'll end our day checking out the ever-evolving neighborhood of Long Island City and the beautiful views from Gantry State Park. You can stay to enjoy the nightlife in LIC or take the LIRR back from Woodside. Be sure to arrive at Penn Station early today to (1) use the bathroom and (2) get a metrocard.
CLASS 2: BODACIOUS BROOKLYN [SEPT 15]
This will be another VERY long day, so plan again on a great deal of walking. Depending upon how things go, we may arrive at Penn Station after 7pm again. Our future classes in Manhattan, however, will be much easier going, and we promise to make up for any extra time spent in Brooklyn or Queens.
CLASS 3: LOWER MANHATTAN: WHERE IT ALL BEGAN [SEPT 22]
For today's class we we be focused on a relatively small geographical area--the southernmost tip of Manhattan--but this area is filled with more important sites and historic buildings than any of section of the city. It's also where the original Dutch colony of New Amsterdam was located and it was the geographic heart of the City of New York until well into the mid-19th century. Our lunch break will be late today, so make sure to get something to eat at Penn when you arrive.
CLASS 4: IMMIGRANT NEW YORK & HIPSTER WILLIAMSBURG [SEPT 29]
For today's class, we focus on the Immigrant Experience in New York. We'll begin at one of the most beautiful synagogues in the United States--the Eldridge Street Synagogue. From there, we'll explore the immigrant enclaves of Chinatown, Little Italy, and the Jewish Lower East Side. Lunch will be provide again at Congee Village, a Bowery favorite! After lunch, we'll have a candy stop at the historic Economy Candy. Then it's off across what was once known as the "Jew's Highway"--the amazingly grungy Williamsburg Bridge--to explore the hipster paradise that is Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
CLASS 5: CHELSEA & THE FOUR SQUARES [OCT 6]
It's super-exclusive Chelsea and the Village today, with stops to see some galleries in Chelsea and the High Line.. After a break for lunch, we'll have a guided tour of the TR Birthplace and the sites around Ladies Mile in the Flatiron District.
CLASS 6: EL BARRIO & CENTRAL PARK [OCT 13]
For today's class, we'll be starting in East Harlem (El Barrio), viewing an excellent film about the history of NYC at the Museum of the City of New York and then having a walking tour of the Barrio. After lunch we'll explore historic Central Park.
CLASS 7: EVOLUTION NORTHWARD [OCT 20]
Today we will explore how New York City expanded northward on the island of Manhattan. We'll begin at the Frick Collection--the onetime home of Guilded Age robber baron, Henry Clay Frick. From there, we'll cross Central Park and stop for a brief look at the modernist architecture of Lincoln Center. Our final lunch together will be at Yum Yum Bangkok, for some very delicious Thai food. We'll end our class with a tour of one of the most beautiful sections of northern Manhattan--Morningside Heights.
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11:00-11:10
11:10-11:45 11:45-12:00 12:00-1:00 1:00-2:00 2:00-2:50 3:45-5:30 5:30- |
Penn Station Gathering
N,R, or W train to 5th Ave/59th St. Scenic stroll through Lower Central Park Guided tour of Frick mansion (Frick Collection) Walk to Hell's Kitchen though CP and via Lincoln Center (or subway) Lunch at Yum Yum Bangkok Walking tour of Morningside Heights with Jim Mackin Optional evening out at the Harlem Tavern |