This course explores the notion of “girlhood” and its accompanying politics through different cultural, material, and mediated sources: tv/film, dolls, zines, music, bedroom culture, celebrity culture, and social media trends. Students will engage with multiple disciplinary perspectives to examine cultural, social, and political dynamics shaping the way North American girlhoods are imagined and lived.

Girl World far exceeds the normative boundary of who a “girl” is considered to be, directly impacting mass culture at large.

Through interdisciplinary approaches, this course investigates the cultural, social, and political dimensions of cuteness. By examining various aspects of cuteness, including aesthetics, childhood, kawaii culture, and cute characters and performances, the course explores the boundaries and implications of what it means to be "cute."

 The course delves into a variety of questions and topics: What are the different approaches to understanding cuteness? Who is considered cute? What privileges and consequences are associated with cuteness? How does power influence the concept of cuteness?

Over the course of the past decade, girl activists have taken center stage. From the global to the local, everyday girls are standing up, protesting, organizing, and demanding change in the face of numerous social and political injustices.

This course examines various forms of activism practiced by girls, including zines and DIY culture, blogging, social media engagement, and participation in organized programs. By examining case-studies, documentaries, news coverage, and other source examples, the course investigates pressing issues girls are facing and what adults can do to support and amplify their voices.