Ray Browne Association (RBA)

The Ray Browne Association on Class and Culture (RBA) is a BGSU Student Organization dedicated to encouraging the study of popular culture as intended by Ray B. Browne. Browne, founder of BGSU’s Department of Popular Culture, the Journal of Popular Culture, and the Popular Culture Association, paved the way for this organization. His writing calls for the study of popular culture as a way to bridge the gap between the ivory tower of academy and the lived reality of the BGSU student body and community. Browne’s view of popular culture as a symbol of not only the working class, but of democracy itself continues to inspire and guide the study of popular culture, class, and academia. 

The RBA is a free, open-enrollment organization supporting the professional development of students pursuing a cultural studies education. We welcome undergraduates, graduate students, educators, outside scholars, community members, and everyone interested in the study of Popular Culture. Facilitated by graduate students, RBA hosts a monthly meeting that both brings contemporary popular culture scholarship to the BGSU campus and highlights the popular culture scholarship of current BGSU undergraduates, graduates, faculty, and community members. In addition, these monthly meetings host professional development and collaborations with like-minded organizations. Finally, the RBA develops, organizes, and executes the annual Class Con, an academic conference dedicated to the study of popular culture with a focus on class, labor, leisure, and the work of Ray Browne.