What is popular? How does it become so? In this course students examine themes and topics central to American popular culture through various media and selected readings in history, the humanities, and the social sciences. The course unfolds historically—often highlighting important technological changes that have led to shifts in popular culture. The role of nostalgia and recursive popular culture is examined closely. Students will explore the cultural significance of popular American literature, art, music, film, food, amusement, commentary, and fashion. Case studies cover a broad range of developments including the rise of amusement parks, burlesque and vaudeville, tabloid journalism, the evolution of the sitcom, the role of refrigeration and the microwave in American home cuisine, and the emerging influence of online social networks and gaming. Analyses of trends are made sociologically and critically.