Winter hiking in Big Marsh Park

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Drop by for a Visit!

Chicago Studies' offices are on the first floor of 1155 E 60th, a space we share with other urban-focused programs from across the University.  Stop by to chat with us over coffee about your interest in the city and stay to study or chill in our sunny Urban Lounge.

Chicago Studies makes it easier for students and instructors in the College to study, teach, and collaboratively learn about our amazing city. Part of the Office of Research and Teaching Innovations in the College Dean’s Office, we support faculty and course instructors in developing and executing innovative, hands-on curricular and research experiences, especially those that directly engage the diverse communities of Chicagoland. We also provide specialized, direct support to students as they develop questions about and then focus their studies on Chicago.

Although a small team, we multiply the impacts of our work by cooperating with a wide range of departmental, on-campus, and civic/institutional partners.  These inform the themes and methods of the classes and research we support and help us promote core principles of epistemic justice, respectful place-based engagement throughout the Chicago region, and high-impact teaching and learning wherever these may take place.

Spring 2025: CIV + ARTS in ChiTown

Coming soon:  new Chicago Studies (CHST) CIV and CIV+ARTS Core sequences.  We will begin accepting early admit applications for our inaugural sequence on Latin(e/x) Chicago on Monday, April 1, 2024.  This sequence will fulfill CIV (2 courses) + Arts (1 course) Core requirements. 

Teaching and Learning in Chicago

Chicago Studies offers course instructors one-on-one pedagogy consultation, financial and logistical support for experiential learning across the city, and connections to relevant Chicago partners and institutions for classes in any discipline. Help your students learn MORE from Chicago.

Learn from Chicago with Us

Welcome to Chicago

Articles, maps, podcasts and more to help new Chicagoans feel at home

Programming & Events

Opportunities to explore Chicago history, ecosystems, cultures, and neighborhoods

Chicago-focused Classes

Standalone classes, course sequences, and immersive quarters about the Windy City

Resources for Instructors

Grants, logistical support, and pedagogy consulting for classes that engage Chicago

Undergraduate Research

Specialized advising and funding to support student scholarship about Chicago

Certificate in Chicago Studies

Transcript recognition for students who build their own Chicago-focused programs of study