NYC Gazette

In Jackson Heights, Queens, students at NYU's Arthur L. Carter Journalism Institute engage with New York's diverse narratives in a course titled "Storied New York." Led by Professor Suketu Mehta, the course examines the city as a dynamic character through various artistic lenses, including journalism, fiction, poetry, and film.

Suketu Mehta, who has lived in many cities worldwide and authored works like "This Land is Our Land: An Immigrant’s Manifesto," asserts, “New York is the most storied city in America and possibly the world.” Since 2008, Mehta has invited students to explore the city's portrayal across different eras.

The syllabus incorporates works from notable authors and musicians such as Robert Caro, Joan Didion, and Colson Whitehead. Students also benefit from guest speakers like Adrian Nicole LeBlanc, whose book "Random Family" has ignited classroom discussions.

Field trips supplement classroom activities. This semester, a ride on the Staten Island Ferry included reading Walt Whitman's "Crossing Brooklyn Ferry." Mehta recalls, “In previous classes, students have also submitted an entire CD of songs about New York.” A past student remarked that the class feels like “a really great book club.”

A key component of the course is a visit to Jackson Heights, described as one of the world's most diverse neighborhoods. Here, the students learn about community landmarks like the Community United Methodist Church and the historic district along Roosevelt Avenue.

During a visit to Jackson Heights, students met with local Council Member Shekar Krishnan. Krishnan emphasized, “The future of New York City depends on the future of this neighborhood.” The day concluded with a meal at the local Nepalese establishment, Lakeside NYC.

Mehta is currently working on another nonfiction book, "City of the Second Chance," continuing his examination of New York's multifaceted identity.