Ethnic Neighborhoods Study  

The BEST SOURCE for information about your immigrant group:

The BEST SOURCE for maps of where your group settles in the United States:

New York Times Immigration Explorer

Sarah Lorraine

Chicago is home to a patchwork of ethnic groups. For this assignment, you and a partner will be visiting a Chicago neighborhood to evaluate the cultural landscape. Look for evidence of diffusion, material and non-material culture, and any other elements of culture you may encounter.  

1.   History of the Neighborhood

• First residents- settlers
• Changes over time

            Compare census data from 1980 and 2010

            Push and Pull factors that have led them to this area

            Why these changes have taken place

• Gentrification or Deinvestment 
• Neighborhood Flight

2.   What is the neighborhood today

• Residents - dominant ethnic groups today
• Average cost of a home/renting an apartment
• Demographics of the local schools
• Types of businesses and economic opportunities
• Restaurants, customs, festivals, etc.
• Cultural centers: churches, funeral homes, and grocery stores

3.   Issues of race and/or ethnicity in the area

4.   Map of the area (in relation to the whole of Chicago)

5.   Artifact

• One item that represents the culture of the neighborhood

6.   Presentation

• Movie, Powerpoint, or other presentation to the class to teach them about the neighborhood you explored.
• Pictures or video footage of your neighborhood
• Include the information listed above