Description
The front lawn is a curious space where personal identity collides with societal expectations. Within its borders, individuality is carefully curated and displayed, often framed by the rigid aesthetics of suburban norms. Lawn ornaments, seasonal decorations, and landscaping choices are not just decorative—they are cultural artifacts that tell stories of ownership, conformity, pride, and resistance. This seminar explores the front lawn as a stage for self-expression and a reflection of larger cultural narratives. By unpacking the symbolism of items like garden gnomes, flamingos, or seasonal wreaths, students will investigate how these objects communicate identity while adhering to or subverting societal expectations. Through critical discussions, students will analyze the aesthetic language of front lawns and the cultural forces shaping them—examining themes of material consumption, belonging, and the desire to stand out within the constraints of conformity. The course challenges studen