Class Description
Join this exploration of public entertainment and censorship politics in Chicago from the late nineteenth century to the mid-twentieth century through the lens of cultural history. Participants will deepen their knowledge and appreciation of the history of Chicago and learn about patterns of life, leisure, and cultural politics in the Windy City that merit comparison to trends and controversies of the present.
We will use various tools and methods of public history, including digital archives, blogs, and audience awareness, in addition to traditional historical pedagogy.
Lucas Bensley holds a PhD in History from Loyola University Chicago, as well as a master's degree in Social Sciences from the University of Chicago. He has researched and written about nineteenth- and twentieth-century American history, in particular mass entertainment, gender, sexuality, and urban politics and culture.
Materials List
Required
- Instructor-Distributed Materials
First Reading
Please read the following in preparation for our first class meeting (links provided in the syllabus):
- "The Road to Destruction Made Easy in Chicago."
- "Girls are Girls: Miss Binford, Don’t be Shocked." Chicago Defender, Feb 9, 1924.
- A short essay, "A City of Amusements," from Scott Newman's digital history project Jazz Age Chicago: Urban Leisure from 1893 to 1945.
- Also consider skimming some of the profiles of historical theaters in Chicago from the website, Chicagology.
Cost and Registration
2 Sessions, $75 ($67 for Newberry members, seniors, and students). Learn about becoming a member.
We now offer our classes at three different price options: Regular ($75), Community Supported ($70), and Sponsor ($80). Following the models of other institutions, we want to ensure that our classes are accessible to a wider audience while continuing to support our instructors. You may choose the price that best fits your situation when registering through Learning Stream.
To register multiple people for this class, please go through the course calendar in Learning Stream, our registration platform. When you select the course and register, you’ll be prompted to add another registrant.
RegisterSupport the Newberry
Your generosity is vital in keeping the library’s programs, exhibitions, and reading rooms free and accessible to everyone.
Make a Gift