FYS 164 Mice, Mermaids, and Magic: Anthropology of Disney
This course analyzes Disney as a cultural artifact and influencer. Students will critically analyze classic Disney films, a few films that break the classic mold, and Disney theme parks in order to understand the ways in which Disney has the power to contribute to and shape social and cultural norms and values, that is, to create and sell what is normal or aspirational. Using Disney as a case study, students will gain new insight into how anthropologists engage with human societies and their cultural meanings, including those human societies that may produce as well as be produced by our wildest imaginations.