Global Beauty Industry

(4 Credits)

This class explores the evolution of the global beauty industry from the nineteenth century to the present. Using materials such as primary and secondary sources and case studies, students will consider how entrepreneurs and cosmetic firms such as Unilever, L’Oréal, and Shiseidō have imagined and defined beauty throughout the globe. The course begins by tracing the historical factors that led to the formation of the industry. We will examine how firms translated societal values into brands, globalized them, and transformed societal perceptions of beauty. The course then analyzes new trends, such as the recent rise of the Asian beauty industry. The final section will look at the industry in the digital age and how firms have worked to resolve issues of their own doing. Prerequisite: Sophomore standing or above. Fulfillment: IMB major IMA/IMB elective.