This course will explore the role of policing in modern society by examining the origins and development of modern city police. The case is New York City, from Dutch times, through the founding of the unified police force in 1845, through massive riots, gang wars, corruption scandals, Prohibition, all the way up to the de Blasio administration. The course takes an anthropological approach examining the various cultural forces that shaped this institution, and how the police in turn shaped the changing character of urban life. Along with the police, we will examine changing patterns of crime, especially involving prostitution, gambling, gangs, and organized crime. The course is oriented toward readings matched to lectures and class discussion. Grades will be based on a series of brief reaction papers every week on the assigned readings, as described below. Readings assigned for class discussion will be about 35-50 pages per week. There is no term paper or exam. Active class participation can raise your grade by as much as a full letter grade.