British Youth Culture: 1945 - Present

Britain has one of the most innovative and vibrant youth cultures in the world. London in particular is considered the cultural and commercial capital of Europe. Explained in the context of social change and globalization, this course will chart the influence of British youth culture on class mobility, female independence, black migration, technological progress, and the birth of the consumer society in both the UK and the US during the second half of the 20th century.

Using historical, sociological, and economic perspectives of British youth culture from post-WWII and the early days of jazz and rock 'n' roll, through to Beatlemania, Punk, Britpop, Rave and the latest contemporary developments, students will explore (a) how British youth culture was formed, (b) to what extent it is different from America's, and (c) what effect it has had on the wider world.

By amplifying the linkages between music, fashion, cinema, and other art forms with business and media, this course will explain how underground cults become mainstream culture and how moral panics are turned into material profits.