American Studies and History

Dr. Darren R. Reid

American History and Culture Through the Lens of Those Who Lived It

  1. 03/11/2013

    The Execution of William Crawford and the Gnadenhutten Massacre

    Heading back to early America for this episode, we explore anti-Indian propaganda from the 1780s. In 1782 Colonel William Crawford led a military expedition into the Ohio Valley. His campaign was defeated by the people he had come to attack and the Colonel was taken into captivity, tortured, and executed. The gruesome details of Crawford's death were published in an account written by eyewitness John Knight in a volume published by noted Indian hater Hugh Henry Brackenridge. The resultant document is a potent piece of anti-Indian propaganda that is needs to be understood in the troubling context of the time which produced it.

    The Execution of William Crawford and the Gnadenhutten Massacre

  2. 07/10/2013 ·  Video

    D.W Griffith's The Mended Lute (1909) with Audio Commentary (academic)

    Native America on film - in this special video presentation we examine a short film by D.W Griffith (director of The Birth of a Nation)that was made in 1909. This episode includes the entire original film with a special academic audio commentary.

    D.W Griffith's The Mended Lute (1909) with Audio Commentary (academic)

  3. 07/10/2013

    The Beach Boys and the (un)Making of SMiLE

    In 1966, Brian Wilson led The Beach Boys into the studio to begin work on the follow up to the critically acclaimed album, Pet Sounds. What should have been the band's masterpiece turned into their biggest calamity as the SMiLE album unraveled and collapsed around them. In this podcast, Dr. Darren R. Reid takes a look at the recently released SMiLE Sessions to assess what may have been. Is this album the lost masterpiece of legend? Would it have secured the band's place alongside The Beatles?

    The Beach Boys and the (un)Making of SMiLE

  4. 07/10/2013

    Is The Lone Ranger Racist? Disney and Race in 2013

    The Lone Ranger has been no stranger to controversy since its announcement. In this episode we will examine the finished product in order to see whether or not claims of racism directed at the movie are justified.

    Is The Lone Ranger Racist? Disney and Race in 2013

  5. 07/10/2013

    Pink Floyd and the Cold War: British Band, American Focus

    In this episode we explore the resurgent Cold War of the 1980s through the music of Pink Floyd and their chief songwriter, Roger Waters. Starting with a critical overview of the 1983 album, The Final Cut, this episode explores how the Cold War transformed the band, moving them away from abstract ideas and vague protests into a more politicised realm with their music. Albums explored in this episode include The Final Cut, The Wall, A Momentary Lapse of Reason, and Roger Waters' Radio K.A.O.S.

    Pink Floyd and the Cold War: British Band, American Focus

  6. 07/10/2013

    Racism During World War II

    In this episode we examine the argument that anti-Japanese racism was a product of World War II. This episode includes an audio only version of the short documentary "Race and Racism in Early Superhero Comics" as a bonus extra.

    Racism During World War II

  7. 07/10/2013

    The Man Who Laughs: The Changing Face of the Joker, from Gangster to Terrorist

    The second American Studies lecture again looks at classic American comic books, this time turning its attention on Batman's arch-nemesis, the Joker. Throughout his long career the Joker has been portrayed as everything from a Chicago-inspired gangster, to traumatised victim, and ruthless terrorist - in this lecture we explore how each of those images reflected huge social and cultural changes in America.

    The Man Who Laughs: The Changing Face of the Joker, from Gangster to Terrorist

  8. 07/10/2013

    Up, up, and Away: Analysing Classic American Comic Books

    Superman first appeared during the Great Depression in 1938 in a comic book which reflected the period's strong stereotypes against women. In this episode the first superhero comic will be given a scholarly reading and compared to its modern equivalent to show how America's self-image has changed over the past 70 years.

    Up, up, and Away: Analysing Classic American Comic Books
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About

American History and Culture Through the Lens of Those Who Lived It

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Darren R. Reid
  • Years Active
    2012 - 2013
  • Episodes
    21
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All Rights Reserved
  • Show Website
    American Studies and History