Play and the Politics of Childhood

In this seminar we will examine the culture of the United States through the lens of childhood play and how it reflects and challenges mainstream conceptions of social control, freedom, and political power. This includes investigating the history of children’s rights and the social boundaries we build around young people. Drawing from the rich field of “playwork” we will interrogate the social messages conveyed by play environments and play objects (aka “toys”) and what those messages may indicate about the society from which they emerge. Through essays and texts, documentary films and podcasts, lectures, guest speakers and personal reflection we will interrogate the purpose of play in our culture. 3 hrs. sem.