This class analyzes and studies the history and evolution of cars and car cultures in the United States and its influence in Michigan. It uses the intersections of gender, class, race, and historicity as points of departure to understand the unique relationship that America has with cars, the car industry and its developments. This class explores cars not just as transportation devices, but rather as a system of meanings and values, and as an everyday ubiquitous cultural product influenced by economic, political, and social forces.

Topics discussed in class includes:

• The process of car design and car production
• Car customization subcultures
• RVs, trucks, racing cars, and collection cars
• Gender and women in cars
• The evolution, emergence and decline of motor cities such as Detroit, and the emergence of suburbia
• The politics of mass transportation and electric cars
• The politics of freeways design
• The economic and environmental impact of cars
• The evolution of driverless cars (e.g., Google car)
• Millenniums' use and relation with cars

Course Requirements:

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Intended Audience:

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Class Format:

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