This teaching manual presents a model course for eighth graders involving the study of the ethnic groups that make up an American urban community. The course considers cultural, historical and sociological elements of immigrant groups in New York City, especially the Irish, Italian, Jewish, Chinese, Black and Puerto Rican populations. The manual describes the procedures and methodology devised by teachers in a course at New York University. These procedures were used in the teachers' own classes. The teachers began with a study either of their own or a nearby community in which a particular ethnic group predominated. This established a pattern of study and investigation which was employed in the examination of other selected ethnic communities. In concluding lessons it was possible to examine immigrant patterns in history and culture in other parts of the country. Two of the teachers' studies are described. Their courses are outlined in terms of content, teaching methods, formal lessons, and student assignments. Some student responses, as taken from their compositions, are presented. Also included in this manual is an extensive section on the immigrant experience in literature. Selections are taken from works dealing with the six major ethnic groups mentioned above. The manual is supplemented by a bibliography. (GC)