Fall 2022 Programming

As we re-gather on campus this Fall, Chicago Studies makes it easy to explore our city (and understand it better).  Our Fall programming offers a ton of ways to directly engage the city's diverse communities, including a multitude of Urban Hikes (and a few Urban Bikes) that will take you on deep-dive explorations of Chicago's architecture, history, and ecology.  Among many of note, don't miss this year's South Side History Bike Tour, an annual favorite for 25+ years featuring College Dean John W. Boyer (History) and Professors John Mark Hansen (Political Science) and Terry Clark (Sociology) -- definitely a College "bucket list" item.


Those who prefer to do their learning indoors can join artist Dan Peterman at the Smart Museum for a discussion of the consumption cycles that fuel redevelopment, and attend our annual Urban October Lecture with Shermann "Dilla" Thomas (AKA Dilla the Historian, left) to reflect on the dynamics of Chicago representation in the national conversation.  Want to share your own ideas?  Stop by our weekly Writing Wednesdays (yes, the fresh-baked cookies will return!) in the Urban Lounge at 1155 E. 60th St, and then head over to weekly Open Studios in the MADD Center.  And don't miss volume two of Spooky Chicago, just in time for Halloween -- this year featuring an open mic to share your own unsettling Chicago stories alongside those of professional Chicago storytellers!  Join us all Fall for programming and events that expand your knowledge of Chicago - and help you see it firsthand. 

Want to help us plan future events?  Apply for our Student Advisory Board!
Shermann "Dilla" Thomas, Chicago historian
Dilla the Historian

Fall Quarter 2022

    New to Chicago this Fall, or just curious about the Windy City? Get to know your new home with Chicago Studies on one (or many) of our Urban Hikes! 

    Knock some of downtown Chicago's most famous sites off your to-do list, guided by Chicago trivia expert (and beloved tour guide) Alex Bean of the College's Law, Letters, & Society program. This urban hike will visit world-famous landmarks, like the city's famed skyscrapers and the iconic Michigan Avenue Bridge, alongside popular attractions like the Riverwalk and Millennium Park. The route will circle the Loop, Chicago's bustling heart, and take time to visit everything from provocative public art to easily-missed historical curiosities. Learn more and register.

    Urban Hike: Chicago's Downtown Loop | September 24th, 10:00AM-1:30PM CDT

    New to Chicago this Fall, or just curious about the Windy City? Get to know your new home with Chicago Studies on one (or many) of our Urban Hikes! 

    Explore some of Chicago's diverse ecosystems on this guided tour of Rainbow Beach with Professor Alison Anastasio. With its beach, wetland, and dune habitats, Rainbow Beach Dunes Natural Area contains many fascinating plant species. The dunes have benefited greatly from the dedication and hard work of community volunteers who collect and scatter native seed, plant native species, pick up trash, monitor vegetation and birds, and remove invasive species. Learn more about these spectacular ecosystems and their volunteer opportunities on this Urban Hike. Learn more and register.

    Urban Hike: Rainbow Beach Dunes | September 24th, 8:15AM-11:30AM CDT

    New to Chicago this Fall, or just curious about the Windy City? Get to know your new home with Chicago Studies on one (or many) of our Urban Hikes! 

    In celebration of the bicentennial of the birth of the father of American landscape architecture (and designer of both New York's Central Park and the 1893 World's Fair campus here in Chicago), explore Fredrick Law Olmsted's original design for nearby historic Washington Park with Julia Bachrach, a Chicago historian, preservation planner, and urban design professional. Learn more and register.

    Urban Hike: Olmsted and Washington Park | September 24th, 10:00AM-12:00PM 

    New to Chicago this Fall, or just curious about the Windy City? Get to know your new home with Chicago Studies on one (or many) of our Urban Hikes! 

    Led by Chicago Studies' executive director Chris Skrable, this Urban Hike tells a few strands of the history of Chicago's LGBTQ communities through a geographic lens. Beginning in Towertown, and traveling along the CTA Red Line through North Halsted ("Boystown") and into Andersonville, this guided tour will provide a deep dive into the progression of Queer community building in Chicago. Learn more and register.

    Urban Hike: Chicago's Evolving "Gayborhoods" | September 24th, 9:00AM-1:00PM 

    New to Chicago this Fall, or just curious about the Windy City? Get to know your new home with Chicago Studies on one (or many) of our Urban Hikes! 

    Alongside Professor William Nickell, this tour will introduce students to the rich and complex histories of the neighborhoods surrounding campus and orient them to its many landmarks and natural beauties. Participants will spend two hours riding through Hyde Park, Woodlawn, Kenwood and Bronzeville. Learn more and register.

    Urban Bike: Historic Campus Neighborhoods | September 24th, 10:00AM-1:00PM 

    New to Chicago this Fall, or just curious about the Windy City? Get to know your new home with Chicago Studies on one (or many) of our Urban Hikes! 

    This Urban Hike will venture to the first section of the floating eco-park, The Wild Mile. Located along the North Branch of the Chicago River in Lincoln Park, this brand new park is a living laboratory for research, innovation, and conservation efforts in an urban environment. Learn more and register

    Urban Hike: The Wild Mile | September 26th, 10:00AM-1:30PM CDT 

    New to Chicago this Fall, or just curious about the Windy City? Get to know your new home with Chicago Studies on one (or many) of our Urban Hikes! 

    Knock some of downtown Chicago's most famous sites off your to-do list. This urban hike will visit world-famous landmarks, like the city's famed skyscrapers and the iconic Michigan Avenue Bridge, alongside popular attractions like the Riverwalk and Millennium Park. The route will circle the Loop, Chicago's bustling heart, and take time to visit everything from provocative public art to easily-missed historical curiosities. Learn more and register.

    Urban Hike: Chicago's Downtown Loop | September 26th, 9:45AM-1:30PM

    New to Chicago this Fall, or just curious about the Windy City? Get to know your new home with Chicago Studies on one (or many) of our Urban Hikes! 

    New to birding or a full-fledged “birder”? All experience levels are welcome to join us for our Welcome Week bird walk in Washington Park with the President of the Chicago Ornithological Society, and UChicago Alum, Edward Warden! Step just outside of campus and witness the dazzling number of species that call Chicago home. Learn more and register

    Urban Hike: Birding in Washington Park | September 26th, 10:00AM-12:00PM CDT 

    New to Chicago this Fall, or just curious about the Windy City? Get to know your new home with Chicago Studies on one (or many) of our Urban Hikes! 

    Hop on the Metra for a guided tour of Chicago's historic "Little Downtown" on the Southeast Side with Professor John Mark Hansen. This walking tour will highlight the fascinating history of the region, with a focus on Commercial Avenue throughout the years, first as a burgeoning steel town shopping district, a Polish downtown, and later a center of Mexican American life in Chicago. This hike will also include a taste of the local flavor at Birrieria Ocotlan, a long-time favorite Taqueria restaurant since 1973. Learn more and register. 

    Urban Hike: "Little Downtown" on the Southeast Side | September 26th, 10:00AM-1:30PM CDT 

    Stop by Chicago Studies' table on the Quad on your way to the College Kick-Off.  Sign up for our mailing list, learn about our programming, the classes we co-sponsor, research opportunities, and more...and pick up the latest in our popular series of Chicago-themed laptop stickers, too!  We look forward to meeting you there.

    Academic Opportunities Fair | Wednesday, 9/28, 3:30-6:30PM CDT in the Main Quad

    Open Studio is un-programmed time for students interested in architecture/urban design and related disciplines to meet one another, work together on projects, share ideas and techniques, and build community. While the space is designed mostly for students enrolled in, or interested in, architecture studio classes, all are welcome, and no registration is required. You're welcome just to drop in, or to stay for longer. Food will be served, and some Wednesdays will feature optional workshops/events alongside the free space to work. 

    Open Studio | Wednesdays, 5:00-8:00 PM CDT at the MADD Center - 1st Floor Crerar Library

    New to Chicago this Fall, or just curious about the Windy City? Get to know your new home with Chicago Studies on one (or many) of our Urban Hikes! 

    Visit one of Chicago's most popular public spaces, the 606, an elevated rail-trail which "brings together arts, history, design, trails for bikers, runners, and walkers, event spaces, alternative transportation avenues, and green, open space for neighbors, Chicagoans, and the world." As we walk along the elevated trail alongside Professor Evan Carver, we will touch upon the social ramifications of the project, such as "green gentrification". Learn more and register.

     Urban Hike: The 606 and Gentrification | September 30th, 1:30PM-4:30PM CDT 

    For over 20 years, UChicago students, staff, and community members have been learning the history of UChicago's neighboring communities on their bicycles, guided by notoriously avid bikers College Dean John W Boyer, author of The University of Chicago: A History, and Professor John Mark Hansen, author of The City in a Garden: A Guide to the History of Hyde Park and Kenwood.

    Our 20-mile Fall tour takes participants on deep dives into the stories of key figures and significant places across the South and Near West Sides of the city, including Hyde Park, Bronzeville, Bridgeport, and the Near West Side. The tour is free and open to students, faculty, and staff. Learn more and register.

    Urban Bike: South Side History Bike Tour | October 2nd, 9:00AM-3:00PM CDT 

    Writing Wednesdays, co-sponsored by Chicago Studies and PGE, is a dedicated writing block created to provide students weekly structured time to work on writing their BAs or other projects, including collaborative work. Writing Wednesdays will take place every Wednesday in the Urban Lounge at 1155 E. 60th Street, with faculty and staff available to answer questions related to writing and BA-focused research from 3-5PM. Importantly, Writing Wednesdays will also include free coffee and cookies!

    Writing Wednesdays | Wednesdays 3:00-5:00PM CDT at 1155 E. 60th Street 

    Open Studio is un-programmed time for students interested in architecture/urban design and related disciplines to meet one another, work together on projects, share ideas and techniques, and build community. While the space is designed mostly for students enrolled in, or interested in, architecture studio classes, all are welcome, and no registration is required. You're welcome just to drop in, or to stay for longer. Food will be served, and some Wednesdays will feature optional workshops/events alongside the free space to work. 

    Open Studio | Wednesdays 5:00-8:00 PM CDT at the MADD Center - 1st Floor Crerar Library

    New to Chicago this Fall, or just curious about the Windy City? Get to know your new home with Chicago Studies on one (or many) of our Urban Hikes! 

    During this Urban Hike through Washington Park we will recall the personalities and imagine scenes and atmospheres of pivotal events that took place during and since the Great Migration. The park and the neighborhood have an enduring Art, Culture and Activism legacy in the South Side. We will meet in the DuSable Museum sculpture garden, walk through Washington Park and conclude at the Arts BlockLearn more and register. 

    Urban Hike: Art, Culture & Activism in Washington Park | October 3rd, 4:30PM-6:30PM CDT 

    Join Chicago Studies and CEGU/PGE for a welcome back social! Stop by the courtyard at 1155 E. 60th Street from 4:00-5:30PM and join us in kicking off the 2023-2023 academic year! Light refreshments will be served. 

    Welcome Back Social | October 7th, 4:00-5:30PM CDT 

    New to Chicago this Fall, or just curious about the Windy City? Get to know your new home with Chicago Studies on one (or many) of our Urban Hikes! 

    In the middle of the night on October 8, 1871, a blaze broke out in an immigrant neighborhood on Chicago's near West Side. By the time the fire ended some thirty hours later, nearly 17,000 structures had been destroyed, and the still-young city had suffered over $200 million in damages. Walk the history of this tragic event with Chicago Studies from the fire at Mrs. O'Leary's barn, through downtown, and to the shores of Lake Michigan and Lincoln Park. Learn more and register

    Urban Hike: The Great Chicago Fire | October 8th, 10:00AM-1:30PM CDT 

    Chicago, for all its skyscrapers, lakefront beaches, and standout landmarks, is also a city of neighborhoods and people, and one of the best ways to get a feel for this (or any) place is to explore its everyday spaces with full curiosity, and no preconceived notions or expectations. Distinct from our Urban Hiking series, Exploring Everyday Chicago, a collaboration with Open Studio, will run in small groups of no more than five, and begin in an interesting everyday part of the city -- an alley or residential block, in a community area of your choice -- and wander wherever our noses take us.

    Students will be accompanied by Luke Joyner, who teaches studio courses based in Chicago's everyday environment. Note: This series is open to first and second years of the College. Learn more and register.

    Exploring Everyday Chicago | October 10th, 5:00PM CDT

    Writing Wednesdays, co-sponsored by Chicago Studies and PGE, is a dedicated writing block created to provide students weekly structured time to work on writing their BAs or other projects, including collaborative work. Writing Wednesdays will take place every Wednesday in the Urban Lounge at 1155 E. 60th Street, with faculty and staff available to answer questions related to writing and BA-focused research from 3-5PM. Importantly, Writing Wednesdays will also include free coffee and cookies!

    Writing Wednesdays | Wednesdays 3:00-5:00PM CDT at 1155 E. 60th Street 

    Open Studio is un-programmed time for students interested in architecture/urban design and related disciplines to meet one another, work together on projects, share ideas and techniques, and build community. While the space is designed mostly for students enrolled in, or interested in, architecture studio classes, all are welcome, and no registration is required. You're welcome just to drop in, or to stay for longer. Food will be served, and some Wednesdays will feature optional workshops/events alongside the free space to work. 

    Open Studio | Wednesdays 5:00-8:00 PM CDT at the MADD Center - 1st Floor Crerar Library

    This co-sponsored event, hosted by the Smart Museum of Art, the Committee on the Environment, Geography, and Urbanization (CEGU), and Chicago Studies, features Chicago contemporary artist Dan Peterman, co-founder of the Experimental Station in Woodlawn.  Peterman will discuss the issues raised by a work commissioned by the Smart as part of the "Monochrome Multitudes" exhibit, installed through the Fall Quarter.  Participants are encouraged to visit "Monochrome Multitudes" prior to the presentation.

    Note:  Peterman's lecture on 10/13 will be followed by a panel discussion on issues raised by his presentation, to be hosted at Open Studio on Wednesday, 10/19 (see week 4 event listings).

    Dan Peterman at "Monochrome Multitudes" | Thursday, 10/13 from 6-7:30 PM CDT at Cochrane-Woods Art Center/Smart Museum of Art
    Registration opening soon!

    Join us for our annual Urban October lecture, featuring Shermann "Dilla" Thomas, the Chicago "Tik Tok" Historian. This event will discuss Chicago's rich but frequently little-known (or overly-maligned) history, highlighting the city's people, architecture, and global impact. Learn more and register. 

    Urban October: Shermann "Dilla" Thomas | Friday, October 14th, 7:30-9:00PM CDT 

    Writing Wednesdays, co-sponsored by Chicago Studies and PGE, is a dedicated writing block created to provide students weekly structured time to work on writing their BAs or other projects, including collaborative work. Writing Wednesdays will take place every Wednesday in the Urban Lounge at 1155 E. 60th Street, with faculty and staff available to answer questions related to writing and BA-focused research from 3-5PM. Importantly, Writing Wednesdays will also include free coffee and cookies!

    Writing Wednesdays | Wednesdays 3:00-5:00PM CDT at 1155 E. 60th Street 

    Open Studio, Chicago Studies, and their collaborators are excited to present Dan Peterman (Chicago contemporary artist and co-founder of Experimental Station) in a freewheeling conversation about construction, waste, materiality, and sustainable design.  The themes of this week's session will build on those raised by Peterman in his lecture at Smart Museum on 10/13 and in his installation commissioned by Smart for "Monochrome Multitudes."  (See week 3 events listings for information and registration for Peterman's lecture.)

    Open Studio is un-programmed time for students interested in architecture/urban design and related disciplines to meet one another, work together on projects, share ideas and techniques, and build community. While the space is designed mostly for students enrolled in, or interested in, architecture studio classes, all are welcome, and no registration is required. You're welcome just to drop in, or to stay for longer. Food will be served, and some Wednesdays will feature optional workshops/events alongside the free space to work. 

    Open Studio | Wednesdays 5:00-8:00 PM CDT at the MADD Center - 1st Floor Crerar Library

    Submit your photos to the 2022 Chicago Studies Photo Contest! For this contest we are seeking creative photography that celebrates Chicago's natural and built environments, architecture, wildlife, robust culture, and more! There will be two winners of this contest, one from a select panel of judges, and the other a "People's Choice" decided through Instagram voting @ChicagoStudies. Both winners will receive a $200 cash prize, with the top 10 photos receiving a $50 cash prize. Submissions close on 11/7 at 11:59PM. Learn more and submit your photo

    Chicago, for all its skyscrapers, lakefront beaches, and standout landmarks, is also a city of neighborhoods and people, and one of the best ways to get a feel for this (or any) place is to explore its everyday spaces with full curiosity, and no preconceived notions or expectations. Distinct from our Urban Hiking series, Exploring Everyday Chicago, a collaboration with Open Studio, will run in small groups of no more than five, and begin in an interesting everyday part of the city -- an alley or residential block, in a community area of your choice -- and wander wherever our noses take us.

    Students will be accompanied by Luke Joyner, who teaches studio courses based in Chicago's everyday environment. Note: This series is open to first and second years of the College. Learn more and register.

    Exploring Everyday Chicago | October 24th, 5:00PM CDT

    Writing Wednesdays, co-sponsored by Chicago Studies and PGE, is a dedicated writing block created to provide students weekly structured time to work on writing their BAs or other projects, including collaborative work. Writing Wednesdays will take place every Wednesday in the Urban Lounge at 1155 E. 60th Street, with faculty and staff available to answer questions related to writing and BA-focused research from 3-5PM. Importantly, Writing Wednesdays will also include free coffee and cookies!

    Writing Wednesdays | Wednesdays 3:00-5:00PM CDT at 1155 E. 60th Street 

    Open Studio is un-programmed time for students interested in architecture/urban design and related disciplines to meet one another, work together on projects, share ideas and techniques, and build community. While the space is designed mostly for students enrolled in, or interested in, architecture studio classes, all are welcome, and no registration is required. You're welcome just to drop in, or to stay for longer. Food will be served, and some Wednesdays will feature optional workshops/events alongside the free space to work. 

    Open Studio | Wednesdays 5:00-8:00 PM CDT at the MADD Center - 1st Floor Crerar Library

    Join Chicago Studies for our second annual Spooky Chicago, where we are temporarily transported to the "upside down" of Chicago, where ghosts wander the streets and ghastly killers prey on the living.  We'll spend a dark evening recounting some of Chicago's most famous urban legends, ghoulish tales, and haunted histories in this special Halloween celebration of all things wicked in the City of Sin. Learn more

    Spooky Chicago | October 28th, 8:00-11:00PM in Classics 110

    Writing Wednesdays, co-sponsored by Chicago Studies and PGE, is a dedicated writing block created to provide students weekly structured time to work on writing their BAs or other projects, including collaborative work. Writing Wednesdays will take place every Wednesday in the Urban Lounge at 1155 E. 60th Street, with faculty and staff available to answer questions related to writing and BA-focused research from 3-5PM. Importantly, Writing Wednesdays will also include free coffee and cookies!

    Writing Wednesdays | Wednesdays 3:00-5:00PM CDT at 1155 E. 60th Street 

    This Wednesday, join us for our "Built Environment Open House," which Chicago Studies co-sponsors with our friends in the Architectural Studies program (ARCH/ARTH) and the Environmental & Urban Studies Program (ENST).  Meet faculty and course instructors who teach about the built environment from across the curriculum, and learn about upcoming classes in which you can enroll for Winter/Spring.

    Open Studio is un-programmed time for students interested in architecture/urban design and related disciplines to meet one another, work together on projects, share ideas and techniques, and build community. While the space is designed mostly for students enrolled in, or interested in, architecture studio classes, all are welcome, and no registration is required. You're welcome just to drop in, or to stay for longer. Food will be served, and some Wednesdays will feature optional workshops/events alongside the free space to work. 

    Open Studio | Wednesdays 5:00-8:00 PM CDT at the MADD Center - 1st Floor Crerar Library

    Chicago, for all its skyscrapers, lakefront beaches, and standout landmarks, is also a city of neighborhoods and people, and one of the best ways to get a feel for this (or any) place is to explore its everyday spaces with full curiosity, and no preconceived notions or expectations. Distinct from our Urban Hiking series, Exploring Everyday Chicago, a collaboration with Open Studio, will run in small groups of no more than five, and begin in an interesting everyday part of the city -- an alley or residential block, in a community area of your choice -- and wander wherever our noses take us.

    Students will be accompanied by Luke Joyner, who teaches studio courses based in Chicago's everyday environment. Note: This series is open to first and second years of the College. Learn more and register.

    Exploring Everyday Chicago | November 11th, 5:00PM CDT

    Writing Wednesdays, co-sponsored by Chicago Studies and PGE, is a dedicated writing block created to provide students weekly structured time to work on writing their BAs or other projects, including collaborative work. Writing Wednesdays will take place every Wednesday in the Urban Lounge at 1155 E. 60th Street, with faculty and staff available to answer questions related to writing and BA-focused research from 3-5PM. Importantly, Writing Wednesdays will also include free coffee and cookies!

    Writing Wednesdays | Wednesdays 3:00-5:00PM CDT at 1155 E. 60th Street 

    Open Studio is un-programmed time for students interested in architecture/urban design and related disciplines to meet one another, work together on projects, share ideas and techniques, and build community. While the space is designed mostly for students enrolled in, or interested in, architecture studio classes, all are welcome, and no registration is required. You're welcome just to drop in, or to stay for longer. Food will be served, and some Wednesdays will feature optional workshops/events alongside the free space to work.
     

    Open Studio | Wednesdays 5:00-8:00 PM CDT at the MADD Center - 1st Floor Crerar Library

    Writing Wednesdays, co-sponsored by Chicago Studies and PGE, is a dedicated writing block created to provide students weekly structured time to work on writing their BAs or other projects, including collaborative work. Writing Wednesdays will take place every Wednesday in the Urban Lounge at 1155 E. 60th Street, with faculty and staff available to answer questions related to writing and BA-focused research from 3-5PM. Importantly, Writing Wednesdays will also include free coffee and cookies!

    Writing Wednesdays | Wednesdays 3:00-5:00PM CDT at 1155 E. 60th Street 

    Open Studio is un-programmed time for students interested in architecture/urban design and related disciplines to meet one another, work together on projects, share ideas and techniques, and build community. While the space is designed mostly for students enrolled in, or interested in, architecture studio classes, all are welcome, and no registration is required. You're welcome just to drop in, or to stay for longer. Food will be served, and some Wednesdays will feature optional workshops/events alongside the free space to work.
     

    Open Studio | Wednesdays 5:00-8:00 PM CDT at the MADD Center - 1st Floor Crerar Library

    Writing Wednesdays, co-sponsored by Chicago Studies and PGE, is a dedicated writing block created to provide students weekly structured time to work on writing their BAs or other projects, including collaborative work. Writing Wednesdays will take place every Wednesday in the Urban Lounge at 1155 E. 60th Street, with faculty and staff available to answer questions related to writing and BA-focused research from 3-5PM. Importantly, Writing Wednesdays will also include free coffee and cookies!

    Writing Wednesdays | Wednesdays 3:00-5:00PM CDT at 1155 E. 60th Street 

    Open Studio is un-programmed time for students interested in architecture/urban design and related disciplines to meet one another, work together on projects, share ideas and techniques, and build community. While the space is designed mostly for students enrolled in, or interested in, architecture studio classes, all are welcome, and no registration is required. You're welcome just to drop in, or to stay for longer. Food will be served, and some Wednesdays will feature optional workshops/events alongside the free space to work.
     

    Open Studio | Wednesdays 5:00-8:00 PM CDT at the MADD Center - 1st Floor Crerar Library

    Please join us in celebrating the top 20 photos from the Chicago Studies Photography Contest during a pop-up gallery on Friday, 12/2 from 1:00-3:00PM in the Urban Lounge at 1155 E. 60 Street. Light appetizers and refreshments will be served.

    Chicago Photography Gallery Pop-Up 1:00PM CDT at the Urban Lounge

Chicago Studies' Fall 2022 events, unless otherwise noted, are mask-optional, and may include light refreshments. We strongly encourage unvaccinated individuals and those preferring to wear masks to do so.