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American Studies Museum explores college subculture

By Trent Chaffee '09
November 17, 2007

Exploring the beliefs and behavior of college students through consumer products and advertisements is the theme of the American Studies Museum, open Monday, Nov. 19, from 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. in Buntrock Commons Room 142.

The exhibit features objects found primarily in the dorm rooms of St. Olaf College students and discusses their implications on the college subculture. It is free and open to the public.

Students from Professor of History Jim Farrell's Perspective American Culture class provide the analysis and "artifacts," which range from the iPod and mini refrigerator to high heels, the Nalgene water bottle and tampons.

Farrell, entering his 15th year as the museum's curator, asked students to "complexify" their products by searching deeply into the layered meanings behind ordinary objects that Americans often fail to recognize.

Students have also scrutinized select current print advertisements, considering their social, economic, gender and racial meanings.

Contact Kari VanDerVeen at 507-786-3970 or vanderve@stolaf.edu.