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FMCS2200

Popular Culture and Society

10 Units 2000 Level Course

Available in 2013

Callaghan Campus Semester 2

Previously offered in 2012

This course will engage with the major theories of popular culture, media and society, as well as introduce various artistic and theoretical practices that form the landscape of contemporary culture. We look at aspects and ideologies of popular culture that include topics such as postmodernism, feminism; identity and sexuality; net activism and new technologies; media,television and film analysis. We explore theories that examine the basic issues of popular culture; some examples include power and surveillance, gender and ethnicity, private/public spheres and censorship.

Objectives This course explores the relationships between popular culture and society; it assists students in developing the skills that will enable them to:
1. Analyse the influence of new technologies on concepts of identity, gender, race and the body;
2. Relate concepts, such as race, gender, ideology, pleasure, activism to popular culture and illustrate their significance;
3. Construct a critical argument regarding the issues surrounding popular culture;
4. Apply theory critically in written assessment to analyse a case study;
5. Work well as part of a group;
6. Self-evaluate time management and preparation skills.
Content The course involves:
1. An overview of the many competing theories, methods, concepts and policies surrounding popular culture.
2. Examining a series of case studies from different media and discussing critical issues such as ethics, politics, histories, etc.
3. Questioning the importance of the notion of 'pleasure and play' in relation to the formation and experience of popular culture.
4. Evaluating the impact of new technology on popular culture and positions of spectatorship and usage.
Replacing Course(s) CULT3240 Popular Culture and Society.
Transition Students who have successfully completed CULT3240 Popular Culture and Society may not enrol into FMCS2200 Popular Culture and Society.
Industrial Experience 0
Assumed Knowledge 60 credit points at 2000 Level
Modes of Delivery Internal Mode
Teaching Methods Email Discussion Group
Lecture
Student Projects
Assessment Items
Journal Journal/Blog 3,000 words, 40%
Projects 2,000 words, 30%
Quiz - On-line 30%
Contact Hours Lecture: for 1 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Email Discussion Group: for 1 hour(s) per Week for Full Term
Timetables 2013 Course Timetables for FMCS2200