1. “Celebrity in American Culture: From Barnum to Blockbusters”
Introduction

2. Weebly Site Address: ollicelebrityinamerica@weebly.com
Contains course information
A copy of the syllabus
Active links to readings
Active links to the Power Point presentations
Discussion questions for the readings
Supplemental resources
Instructor contact info:

3. Definitions: Celebrity
Celebrity n. the state of being celebrated
Celebrity n. a celebrated person
Celebrate vb. to hold up or play up for public acclaim: extoll
Celebrated adj. widely known and often referred to

4. Latin & French Roots Latin-celer-quick, swift, rapid, speedy, fast
French-celeber-much frequented; famous

5. Definitions: Famous
Famous adj. 1a. widely known, b. honored for achievement 2. excellent, first-rate

6. Synonyms Renowned Noted Distinguished Eminent Illustrious Legendary
Recognized
Prominent
Well-known
Popular
Sensational

7. Variations: Negative
Notorious
Infamous
Scandalous

8. Gossip n. a rumor or report of an intimate nature
n. a person who habitually reveals personal or sensational facts
Usually considered scandalous or surprising
Rumor-n. 1: talk or opinion widely disseminated with no discernable source: hearsay 2: a statement or report without known authority for its truth

9. Media Plural of “medium”
Medium n. means of effecting or conveying something: as (1) a publication or broadcast that carries advertising (2) a channel of communication (3) a mode of artistic expression or communication”
Electronic mediums- radio, TV, cable, internet, films, recorded music, photographs & all copy & playback methods
Print mediums-magazines, newspapers, books, posters, advertisements, photographs

10. Celebrity: Constituent Parts
The celebrity
The fan
A medium for the two to find each other

11. Types of Celebrities: Artists
Actors
Directors
Writers
Artists
Musicians

12. Types of Celebrities: Non-artists
Athletes
Journalists
Reality-emcees, hosts, participants, contestants
Government-elected & appointed officials
Military-heroes & leaders
Religious
Criminals
Philanthropists
Business leaders

13. Course Overview: Part 1 P.T. Barnum (1830s & 1840s)-Cook & Adams
Hollywood movie star system-de Cordova
Mae West & censorship-Hamilton
Theoretical view of movie stars-Dyer
Elvis Presley-Guralnick
1930s & 40s radio star system-Murry
1940s & 50s TV star system-Murray

14. Course Overview: Part 2 Collapse of live TV star system (1950s)-Murray
Beatlemania-Ehrenreich, et al.
Fandom as pathology-Jensen
Heroes vs. Celebrities-Boorstin
Celebrity, the tabloid & democracy-Turner
Gossip: Walter Winchell-Gabler
Scandal & gossip magazines (1950s)-Desjardines

15. Course Overview: Part 3 Celebrity & journalism-Marshall
Celebrities & copyright-McLeod
Celebrities, Power & New Media-Marshall

16. Approaches American Studies American History Media Studies
Media Theory
Gender Studies
Censorship Studies
Copyright Law

17. Questions & Resources What do you want to get out of this class?
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To read or not to read?
The Discussion Questions?
Class lectures
Class discussion
Supplemental readings & viewings