Style and the Man: Masculinity in Fashion and U.S. History

This class will examine the role clothes have played in constructing notions of masculinity and manhood from the mid-19th century to the present. We will take seriously the oft-heard comment, "the clothes make the man," by studying the sartorial circumstances around the formation of men's fashion. These circumstances include class, ethnicity, race, gender, sexuality, and generation. Our study will be episodic and privilege New York and Los Angeles, though other locations will be considered comparatively. Enrollment limited to 20 juniors and seniors concentrating in American Studies.