Bowling Green State University Department of Popular Culture
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| Founder | Ray Browne |
|---|---|
| Type | Education |
| Location |
|
Region served | Bowling Green, Ohio |
Department Chair | Kristen Rudisill |
Parent organization | Bowling Green State University |
| Staff | 12 |
| Website | Popular Culture Website |
Bowling Green State University Department of Popular Culture is the first Popular Culture department in the United States.[1] The department was founded by Professor Ray Browne in 1973.[1] The Popular Culture department is unique as it is the only one in the US to offer both Bachelor's degrees and Master's degrees in Popular Culture.[1][2][3]
Popular Culture House
On July 21, 2012, Bowling Green State University announced their plans to demolish the Popular Culture building that housed the department.[4][5] The Popular Culture building was home to four former presidents of the university before the Popular Culture department moved in.[5] The building was purchased by the university in 1932,[6] and was formerly called Virgil House.[7] Over 2000 supporters protested the demolition plans of the Popular Culture building.[5][8] However the protests were unsuccessful and the university continued with plans to demolish the building.[9] The building was demolished on August 10, 2012, one week ahead of time.[5] The demolished Popular Culture house was replaced by a student health center.[10] The Popular Culture department moved into Shatzel Hall, alongside the Asian Studies department.[10]
