Duke University, a place for smart kids, is now offering a class on mid-aughts teen soap opera/California lifestyle ad The O.C., using the series as a way of looking at the post-postmodern world and other things smart kids are supposed to be interested in discussing (“hyper-awareness,” for example). Creator-producer Josh Schwartz tweeted a photo of the syllabus last week, along with the note, “This is a class taught at Duke! Think I could pass.” (Probably, but, man, it might be a struggle if your brain is stuck in whatever mind-set was happening during the writing of seasons three and four.)
According to the syllabus, the course—titled “California, Here We Come: The O.C. and the Self-Aware Culture of 21st Century America”—sets out to explore this so-called “hyper self-awareness” unique to The O.C. and “analyze Californian exceptionalism and singularity in history and popular culture, girl culture, 21st century suburban revivalism, the indie music scene, the meta-series and more.” After dissecting the Great Luke-Marissa-Ryan Love Triangle of Season 1 and Ben Gibbard’s likable doughiness (one can hope), studies will touch on such other cultural hallmarks as Laguna Beach, The Real Housewives, The Hills and their high-heeled East Coast equivalent, Gossip Girl.
Study up. A few suggested test questions:
Who’s the worst?
A) Taylor Townsend
B) Marissa Cooper
C) Mischa Barton
D) Both B & C
What was Seth Cohen’s greatest creative achievement?
A) Atomic County
B) a made-up holiday, which combined two actual holidays
C) that mixtape he probably made Summer off-camera
D) None of the above
What was The O.C.‘s standout meme?
A) Sandy Cohen’s eyebrows
B) bagels
C) The Bait Shop’s booking philosophy
D) alcoholism
Answers: D, B, A
[via Warming Glow]
Follow Lauren Beck on Twitter @heylaurenbeck.