AMST 40513 - Theorizing Popular Culture

Institution:

University of Notre Dame

Subject:

American Studies

Description:

The first third of the course will introduce a variety of theoretical perspectives, presented as a historical overview of popular culture studies, both in the United States and Britain. The theories to be considered are similar to those of SOC 34151, although somewhat more time and effort will be spent with theories associated with post-modernism. Next, students will use a specifically post-modern, deconstructive approach as they examine the meaning systems and messages present in the animated films produced by Disney since 1989, e.g., The Little Mermaid, Aladdin, The Lion King, The Hunchback of Notre Dame, and Mulan. Students will prepare an analytical paper in which they apply a theory from the course to another of the movies in the Disney oeuvre. Finally, the course will address the social history of rock 'n' roll, as noted above. In this section, however, we shall also explore the comparisons of meanings and values, whether in common or in conflict, of both Disney films and rock 'n' roll music. To complete this section, students will write a research paper in which they examine some aspect of the American rock revolution. This course is not open to students who have taken SOC 34151, as the content will overlap substantially.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.nd.edu

Phone Number:

(574) 631-5000

Regional Accreditation:

North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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