This course will begin with an exploration of the
development of consumer culture in the U.S., with
an emphasis on the features and consequences of
the rapid expansion of consumerism as a way of
life in the post-World War II period. We will
focus on how our emotions and bodies have been
central to the marketing of goods and services
in consumer culture. Our analysis will include
discussion of the role of race, gender, sexuality
and other social categories of difference in
shaping the body of emotion in a consumer
capitalist culture. We will also consider the
global reach of American consumer culture.