Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey

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AMST0234A-S15

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.
Course Reference Number (CRN):
21475
Subject Code:
AMST
Course Number:
0234
Section Identifier:
A

Course

AMST 0234

All Sections in Spring 2015

Spring 2015

AMST0234A-S15 Lecture (Allen)