The Contested City: Urban Culture in America, 1880-1940

Focusing on the popular culture of American cities, this course examines the evolution, commercialization, uses, and struggles over vaudeville, jazz, and early film, and leisure activities such as dancing, nightclubbing, drinking, and shopping. Consideration will be given to the gendered, class-based, and racialized nature of leisure activities and spaces, reform efforts, and the dynamics of social change. Prerequisite: At least one semester of college-level course in U.S. history or literature. Enrollment limited to 20 juniors and seniors.