Ocean, Seaside, Beach, and Pool: Episodes in the History of Watery Recreation and Amusement

A seminar in cultural history exploring Westerners’ (and especially Americans’) changing attitudes toward and engagements with the sea over the last three centuries. Potential topics include the history of seascape painting; the enduring appeal of Venice; the development of seaside resorts; the ocean in Victorian literary imagination; the lure of the cottage at the shore; seaside architecture; yachts and yacht clubs; the great era of the ocean liner; the beach at Waikiki; amusement parks, boardwalks, and salt water taffy; beach parties, beach umbrellas, beach movies, beach bums; bathing suits, bathing beauties, sun tans, and sun glasses; spring break in Fort Lauderdale; surfing culture and surfing music; the contemporary cruise ship phenomenon; and popular twentieth-century writings (Jacques Cousteau, Rachel Carson, Kon-Tiki, Robert McCloskey, and others.) Short classroom presentations, 20-page research paper. 3 credits.