This course examines how U.S. cultures are constructed, reinforced, and changed--particularly in reference to place and material culture. Qualitative and quantitative methods of analysis drawn from several disciplines will help students develop skills in cultural interpretation. Case studies may focus on a neighborhood, a city, or a region. Topics will vary from semester to semester. This course may include discussion sections depending on available funding. Some versions of this course need four in-class contact hours because of the extensive use of media.

This American Studies methods class explores the American workplace from the slave ship to the gig economy. By focusing on a historical sequence of workplaces – the plantation, the factory, the office, the home, the street, and on-line – this class offers a comprehensive history of how capitalism and the changing work lives of Americans has impacted our politics, our culture, our families, our social relationships, and our leisure. By exploring the everyday experience of workers through a series of geographies and histories, we will consider the question of race, gender, class and sexuality on the job; how capitalism expanded socially and geographically from the 14th century to the present; and how Americans have resisted this ever-expanding regime of imposed labor. Readings include works by Frederick Douglass, Marcus Rediker, Karl Marx, Sylvia Federici, Chester Himes, Sarah Jaffe, and David Graeber, with films including Modern Times, The Apartment and 9 to 5, along with a playlist of work songs and whatever is currently your favorite workplace sit-com.

Repeat Rules

Requirements class fulfills