HI-UY 2353 A History of NYC Transit and the Development of NYC

3 Credits

This course traces the technological history of public transportation in New York City and investigates its role in the development of the city, its economy and its social fabric. From the early days of horse-drawn public carriages to the modern subway system, the role of the public transit in the historical development patterns of New York City is treated. The course covers trolley systems, the age of the elevated railways and the subway system. Political, social and economic issues involved in the development of these critical infrastructures are discussed. Students develop independent project reports on aspects of the NYC public transit system, or on public-transit systems in other major world cities.

Prerequisite(s): Junior Status or permission of instructor.
Note: Satisfies a humanities and social sciences elective.