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.
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.
- Term:
- Spring 2015
- Location:
- Library 201(LIB 201)
- Schedule:
- 12:15pm-1:30pm on Monday, Wednesday (Feb 9, 2015 to May 11, 2015)
- Type:
- Lecture
- Instructors:
- Holly Allen
- Subject:
- American Studies
- Department:
- Program in American Studies
- Division:
- Interdisciplinary
- Requirements Fulfilled:
- HIS NOR
- Levels:
- Undergraduate
- Availability:
- View availability, prerequisites, and other requirements.
- Course Reference Number (CRN):
- 21475
- Subject Code:
- AMST
- Course Number:
- 0234
- Section Identifier:
- A