Professor: Meeropol Course format: Seminar Number of respondents: 13 Total Enrollment: 13 Class Composition: Froshs: 7 Sophs: 6 Jrs: 0 Srs: 0 Concs: 2 Non-Concs: 4 Don't Know: 6

Instructor Average: 1.55 Course Average: 1.67

"Popular Culture in Postwar America" is a seminar course that examines the complex social and cultural forces at work in the 1950s, especially as they relate to issues of gender, ethnicity, and sexuality, through the lens of popular culture. No background is required for this course, although some students noted that some knowledge of history would be useful.

Jennifer Meeropol, a graduate student, received excellent reviews from her class based primarily on her ability to lead discussion. Students repeatedly mentioned that she was easy to talk to, allowing discussion to flow freely. Respondents found this style extremely conducive to learning in the context of the course. Class members also mentioned that she allowed all students to speak and adjusted the discussion to fit the level of understanding as indicated by the students. Students also noted that she was comfortable in the classroom and seemed genuinely interested in the progress of the class and the students individually.

The assignments for this course consisted of a considerable reading load in addition to three extremely short papers and three papers of moderate length. While students were sometimes frustrated with reading assignments that sometimes reached 100 pages for each class, respondents generally found the reading to be valuable, and were also satisfied with the writing assignments.

Students were generally extremely pleased with their experience in this course. Most respondents reported devoting a great amount of effort to this course mostly because the material was interesting. The only consistent complaint with students regarded the grading, which a substantial number of students thought was too harsh. This course offered many opportunities for class participation, and on average students spent between six and eight hours on this course each week.

Students in search of a seminar with motivating subject matter should consider this course. Those who take this course should be prepared to put forth a considerable effort, but should also be rewarded by intriguing material and a strong instructor.

View AC/0019 in the Brown Online Course Announcement.