Analyzing West Side Story: A Puerto Rican Reading of "America"

How does a single musical number shape public perception of an entire community? Understanding the intersection of musical theater, urban history, and cultural representation is essential for anyone analyzing modern media. This course guides you through a critical, text-based reading of the song "America" from West Side Story. You will transition from a passive consumer of media to an active cultural critic, capable of identifying historical context, subtext, and the real-world urban planning decisions that influenced the narrative of the Puerto Rican diaspora in New York. What you'll learn: - Understand the foundational terminology of media representation, cultural framing, and diaspora studies. - Analyze the lyrical and thematic evolution of the song "America" across different stage and film adaptations. - Examine the historical context of Puerto Rican migration to New York and the realities of urban renewal in mid-century Manhattan. - Identify stereotypes, cultural biases, and counter-narratives within classic American musical theater. - Apply critical lenses and urban planning concepts to the study of cinema and performance. - Explore modern updates and contemporary perspectives on representation in recent adaptations. You will begin by learning key concepts in cultural analysis and urban history before diving deep into a stanza-by-stanza reading of "America." The lessons then connect these artistic choices to the physical realities of post-war urban development and modern representation debates. This course is designed for beginners interested in film studies, cultural history, urban planning, or media analysis, with no prior academic background required. Start reading today to unlock a deeper, more critical understanding of one of America's most famous musicals.