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ANTH376

Consumer Culture
ANTH376 SP

Not Currently Offered

This course examines the formation and current state of consumer culture, primarily in the United States but with references to European and Third World societies. Phenomena to be considered include advertising, mass-circulation magazines, department stores, the contribution of Hollywood movies and television to a consumption ethic and the use of commodities in the construction of distinctive lifestyles. The overarching theme is the idea of consumption as a modern (or postmodern) form of social control.

MAJOR READINGS

Weber, selections
Bourdieu, DISTINCTION
Lasch, CULTURE OF NARCISSISM
Haug, COMMODITY AESTHETICS
Marchand, ADVENTURING THE AMERICAN DREAM
Gitlin, WATCHING TELEVISION

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Short paper, oral presentation and final research project.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

COURSE FORMAT: Discussion Seminar

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UG Credit: 1.00

Prerequisites: None

Last Updated on MAR-22-1999




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