The history department of Tarleton State University is offering a new, unique learning experience this spring.

Coming to Tarleton in the spring 2014 semester is a unique course called “Disney’s America”. In this upper level history class, students will learn everything there is to know about Walt Disney‘s career, the rise and evolution  of the Disney Company, and interpretations of all aspects of Disney such as animated or live action film and television shows. Also taught will be the proliferation of Disney products and merchandise and the impact of Disney in America, both socially and politically.

 “This class is not for the faint of heart,” said Dr. Michael Landis, founder and instructor of the course. “If you’re willing to work hard and have an open mind, then, as Walt Disney said on the opening day of Disneyland, July 17, 1955: ‘To all who come to this happy place: Welcome.’”

Watching the movie isn’t enough to make an A in this course. Heavy reading loads and class discussions will play a major role. The syllabus includes such reads as Good Girls and Wicked Witches: Women in Disney’s Feature Animation” by Amy Davis.

A major part of the class is a required trip to Disneyworld in Florida. Landis added that it won’t be all fun and games, as students will be there to do research for their semester project. The students enrolled will spend their spring break at Disneyworld conducting research, interviews and document observations for their semester project.  

The trip cost is not included in typical tuition and is required of students to participate in the course. The cost will include airfare, hotel, park passes and special tours.

“I expect students to spend their time wisely and not just ride the rides” Landis said. As a class students will also go on a 5 hour tour behind the scenes of Disneyworld. Students will get to see Disney up close and personal and even visit the underground tunnels of the park.

Upon their return to Tarleton, students will be required to write a lengthy research paper over some aspect of Disney and its role in America, whether it be social, historical, economic or sociological. ‘Disney’s America’ will also be considered an A.L.E as students will be required to keep an online portfolio of their trip where they will upload photos, interviews and research.

Landis himself has always been a fan of Disney and in fact taught near Disneyworld in Florida at one time.

“It’s a win-win class,” Landis said. “Students get to learn something new and fun [and] travel to Florida, [and] I get to teach about something I’m passionate about.”

So who is Landis’s favorite Disney character? The Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland.

“His brand of craziness speaks to me.” Landis went on to say that he enjoys the more original side to Disney, movies that don’t have “your typical prince and princess.”

Landis attends the park twice a year and says that “Disney has always been a side hobby of mine.”

There are 25 spots available and the course will be open to history majors first, then on a first come first serve basis.