AssignmentWrite an essay that analyzes and comments on a specific feature of modern culture. Your focus should be on a concrete, recognizable object or phenomenon, not on some broad historical or political trend. (even though you may want to use history or politics to analyze your object of choice). Look closely at your object or phenomenon: describe it, describe who uses it, think about why it has become popular, explain the values or beliefs it embeds or conveys.
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Student SamplesResources |
Readings
- Roland Barthes, “Toys”
- Nicholas D. Kristof, “Saudis in Bikinis”
- Henry Louis Gates, Jr., “In the Kitchen”
- Susan Allen Toth, “Going to the Movies”
- Jessica Mitford, “Behind the Formaldehyde Curtain”
- Malcolm Gladwell, “Java Man”
- Adam Goodheart, “9.11.01: The Skyscraper and the Airplane”