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.