The Eternal Marlboro Man? - Changing Images of Cowboys in American Culturevision Shows

Proseminar

Bachelor, LGr, LHRGe, Magister. Studium Liberale E3

Modul III 

This class will introduce students to one of the most famous icons of American culture - the cowboy. The historic American cowboy of the late 19th century quickly turned into a figure of unique significance and legend. After the frontier was closed the cowboy image became highly romanticized in various accounts of American culture, turning into an ideal of masculinity and toughness. From Buffalo Bill's "Wild West Show," to America's archetypical cowboy character John Wayne as well as George W. Bush's "Cowboy Diplomacy," this class will examine myths and realities behind changing images of cowboy in American culture and society. To explore the deeper symbolism behind ongoing popularity of cowboy lifestyle, we will discuss a variety of films, from classical Western movies such as High Noon to modern accounts in Brokeback Mountain, country music as well as other aspects of American lifestyle in connection to the cowboy myth.