The Calgary Stampede, with its world-famous parade and rodeo, is now the object of a university course.

"There is a lot about the Stampede that I don't know, it's not just corn dogs and pancakes," said University of Calgary student Shane Clintberg.

Pancake breakfasts and corn dogs are part of the Stampede tradition, but academics say the culture and roots of the Stampede go much deeper.

To help students investigate them, the University of Calgary developed a half-credit, fourth-year course on the culture of the Calgary Stampede.

"It's a course that is designed to understand what the Calgary Stampede is and the impact that it has had on the city," said Dr. Harvey P. Weingarten, president and vice-chancellor of the university.

Students will learn about the history, economics and marketing of the annual event, which dates back to 1912, and how it has contributed to Western Canadian culture.

"I don't think that Calgary is a place that as a person living in it you automatically think culture, but it will be interesting to see the cultural aspects that are brought out with the Stampede," said student Kyla McGillis.

For perspective, Calgary was first settled in 1875, at the junction of the Bow and Elbow Rivers. The railway arrived in 1883, and the first Calgary Exhibition was held in 1886.

In 1908, it was changed to the Dominion Exhibition. One performer there was Guy Weadick, a cowboy who performed rope tricks. He had a vision for a Wild West extravaganza and returned in 1912 to start the modern Stampede.

By 1976, the Stampede had broken the one-million visitor barrier. It contributes an estimated $240 million per year to the city's economy and is Alberta's largest tourist draw.

There are 2,000 volunteers who work for the non-profit association. Its 26 directors are seen as being among the more important movers and shakers in the city.

There's a lot of meaty stuff to be covered in the course some have nicknamed Stampede 101. The professor who designed it warned there will be some heavy going.

"The final exam is going to be a study in synthesis I wouldn't want to do. We are discussing very serious topics," said Dr. Max Foran.

He told CTV.ca the course will talk about the myth of the "Americanization" of the West and look at the genuine celebration of Western culture and the spirit of volunteerism that has grown up around it.

Foran takes his family to the Stampede, "but I'm selective when I go. I go to the barns and see the cattle, I go to the art exhibition, and I go to watch the ... sheep dogs work.

"I think everyone gets what he or she wants out of the Stampede," he said. "I think it offers a collage, a kaleidoscope -- whatever bloody abstract noun you want to use -- ... you get out of it what you want."

Foran has some major family connections in Alberta; his father-in-law is the late Grant MacEwan, a legend in the province and a former lieutenant-governor.

"I've met so many people here (at the Stampede) ... so I think it provides a genuine place for interaction," he said. "It's always been a special place for me."

Once the course is over, Foran plans on doing some more research to better understand the Stampede, Calgary and how the two help make each other tick.

With a report from CTV's Shelly Makrugin