Course Description
This course investigates the intersections between rhetoric and popular culture. It explores a variety of rhetorical approaches including structuralism, post-structuralism, Marxism, and feminism. Governing questions include: In what ways does popular culture shape and address political life? How do the demands of the marketplace affect popular rhetorics?
Athena Title
RHET & POP CULTURE
Equivalent Courses
Not open to students with credit in SPCM 2360
Semester Course Offered
Offered spring
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
1. Students will learn about critical definitions and theories related to popular culture and rhetoric. 2. Students will examine the relationship between advertising and identity. 3. Students will examine the role of commerce in the production of culture. 4. Students will explore the meaning of cool. 5. Students will examine the politics of pop. 6. Students will examine the influence of race, gender, class, sexuality on culture. 7. Students will explore the meaning of community. 8. Students will examine the uses of sex and violence in popular culture. 9. Students will complete research assignments which will involve computer-based research and paper preparation. 10.Students will consider the moral and ethical implications of a variety of communication situations.
Topical Outline
1. Course Intro 2. Culture Industry 3. Know Thy Master: Media Ownership 4. Frankfurt School: Culture Industry 5. Branded Identities: Consumer Culture, Cradle to Grave 6. The Overspent American 7. Uses of Rebellion: The Cycle of Cool 8. The Branding of Learning 9. Life at the End of the Assembly Line: Fast Food and Planned Communities 10. Mall Culture 11. White Hot Rage: Punk and Alternative 12. The Political Economy of Pop Music 13. Race in Music and Film 14. Hip Hop Culture 15. Film and Race 16. Reality TV, News, and Tabloid Culture 17. Pop Goes the Environment 18. Sex and Gender 19. Violence and culture 20. Video Games 21. Who Owns the Culture? Free Speech, Intellectual Property, and Culture Jamming
Syllabus