LAPI 925 - New York in the 1950s

This course investigates the arts centered in 1950s New York (with an emphasis on jazz, literature, and painting) in the context of a decade characterized by rising consumerism, conformity, corporate capitalism, and emerging popular arts that would re-shape American culture from then on. This is also the decade of Red Scare paranoia, A-bomb anxiety, Cold War blues, and deep doubts about the American Dream.

In addition to the assigned readings, papers, and discussions, students pursue their own interests in the decade through individual projects in the second half of the course. As a supplement to the course, a number of special screening of films important to the decade are shown several times during the term. Students are expected to see and complete exercises on at least three of the films.

Prerequisites & Notes
Prerequisite: LACR 102

Credits: 3 cr, 3 hrs