From Freud to Friends: Ethnic identity in popular culture

Ethnicity has been a hallmark of popular culture in the modern period, from the representation of ethnic stereotypes in Vaudeville in the late-19th century, to the advent of radio and television through the middle of the twentieth century, to recent decades with television series like The Sopranos and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. This unit will investigate the ways in which ethnic identities have been represented in popular culture throughout the twentieth century, taking as its case studies representations of Jews, Italians, African-Americans, and Asian-Americans. It will ask what functions certain stereotypes of these groups play in popular media such as television, film, music, comedy, and musical theatre. Throughout the class we will discuss films such as The Godfather and Crazy Rich Asians; television series such as Broad City, Black-ish, and Fresh Off the Boat; comedians such as Eddie Murphy, Ali Wong, and Sarah Silverman; and musicals such as Fiddler on the Roof and Hamilton.

By looking at these case studies in comparative perspective, you will develop your cultural literacy and be able to critically analyse your own position in the world around you. You will develop analytical skills to navigate cultural differences that will serve you well beyond your analysis of pop cultural artefacts.