COMM 412: The Grateful Dead, Deadheads, and Cultural Communication

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 1-2:20 pm, Dr. Natalie Dollar, ndollar@osucascades.edu

In this course we will study the Grateful Dead and Deadheads’, their loyal fans, contributions to US American culture by exploring their evolving cultural communication landscape.  In particular the course will focus on the creation and negotiation of identity and community among individuals who do not reside in/dwell in a common geographical place.  Communication scenes and events that we will consider include band/fan interactions; Deadhead interactions; recording and sharing live concerts now know as “tape [CD, MP3] trading;” independent and public Dead radio; print media such as show flyers and magazines devoted to the band, art and lyrics; Grateful Dead-owned record label and ticket sales; and the dynamics of putting on a “show,” rather than just a concert.