Academics

This program is embedded as part of the spring course titled London’s Transforming Urban Environment. Limited to 12 students. Students will receive one grade for the full course in spring semester, and travel is REQUIRED as part of this program:

  • ANTHR 3430: London’s Transforming Urban Environment
    (Spring 2025, Required Travel: Spring Break 2025)

Course Description: This course is a place-based seminar focused on key issues in contemporary urban nature, from the built environments of homes and neighborhoods, to infrastructures of waste and water management, to waterways, forests, and parks. Using the city of London as a case-study, we will explore topics including migration and racism; health and environmental justice; gentrification and public housing; “green” landscaping; climate change preparedness; and natural disaster. For the first eight weeks of the course, weekly seminars at Cornell will feature readings and discussions on these and other topics, drawn from anthropology, geography, sociology, and neighboring academic fields. Along the way, students will design independent projects focused on the history, ecology, and landscape of a particular neighborhood of the city. During spring break, the entire class will travel to London for one week in which we will be joined by local experts to explore the places and problems introduced in the first eight weeks. Students will carry out their independent research in London and present the results when we return.

Recommended pre-requisite: Coursework in Anthropology, Biology and Society, Environment and Sustainability 

This course counts as an elective on the medical anthropology track of the Anthropology major or minor.

The course counts toward the 120 credits that Cornell undergraduate students must earn for graduation. Depending on a student's college, the courses may also fulfill other requirements for electives, distribution requirements, or majors.