Middlebury

AMST 0234

American Consumer Culture

American Consumer Culture
For many Americans in the 20th century, consumer goods came to embody the promise of the "good life." Yet mass consumption also fostered economic, political, and social inequalities and engendered anti-consumerist activism. In this course we will pursue an interdisciplinary approach to American consumer culture, focusing on the rise of commercialized leisure and advertising; the role of radio, television, and film in shaping consumer practices; and the relationship of consumerism to social inequality and democratic citizenship. Readings will include works by Veblen, Marcuse, Bordieu, Marchand, Cohen, and Schor. 3 hrs. lect.
Subject:
American Studies
Department:
Program in American Studies
Division:
Interdisciplinary
Requirements Fulfilled:
AMR HIS

Sections

Fall 2024

AMST0234A-F24 Lecture (Allen)

Fall 2023

AMST0234A-F23 Lecture (Allen)

Fall 2022

AMST0234A-F22 Lecture (Allen)

Fall 2021

AMST0234A-F21 Lecture (Allen)

Fall 2020

AMST0234A-F20 Lecture (Allen)

Fall 2019

AMST0234A-F19 Lecture (Allen)

Fall 2018

AMST0234A-F18 Lecture (Allen)

Spring 2016

AMST0234A-S16 Lecture (Allen)

Spring 2015

AMST0234A-S15 Lecture (Allen)

Spring 2014

AMST0234A-S14 Lecture (Allen)

Spring 2013

AMST0234A-S13 Lecture (Allen)