This course offers an introduction to popular culture through key approaches in cultural theory, media studies, and visual culture. Examining popular culture as an important stage where identities, ideologies, desires, conflicts, and social transformations become visible, the course explores how media texts and cultural practices shape everyday life in different historical and political contexts. Drawing on examples from film, television, sports, celebrity culture, digital media, fandom, memes, and contemporary franchise culture, the course examines the relationship between popular culture and questions of power, representation, performance, nationalism, gender, race, technology, and political imagination.
Throughout the semester, students will engage critically with foundational concepts from cultural theory alongside a wide range of popular media forms, including pro wrestling, Cold War sports culture, online fandoms, social media influencers, and contemporary media franchises. The course combines theoretical reflection with close analysis of media texts, public personas, fan practices, and digital cultures to show how popular culture functions as both entertainment and a site of social, political, and ideological negotiation.
Throughout the semester, students will engage critically with foundational concepts from cultural theory alongside a wide range of popular media forms, including pro wrestling, Cold War sports culture, online fandoms, social media influencers, and contemporary media franchises. The course combines theoretical reflection with close analysis of media texts, public personas, fan practices, and digital cultures to show how popular culture functions as both entertainment and a site of social, political, and ideological negotiation.
- Teacher: Michael Fuchs