Universität Wien

124642 VO BEd 04.2: Cultural Theories and Popular Culture (2019S)

American Cultural Studies

3.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 12 - Anglistik
Moodle

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Details

Language: English

Examination dates

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Monday 11.03. 16:45 - 18:15 Hörsaal I NIG Erdgeschoß
  • Monday 18.03. 16:45 - 18:15 Hörsaal I NIG Erdgeschoß
  • Monday 25.03. 16:45 - 18:15 Hörsaal I NIG Erdgeschoß
  • Monday 01.04. 16:45 - 18:15 Hörsaal I NIG Erdgeschoß
  • Monday 08.04. 16:45 - 18:15 Hörsaal I NIG Erdgeschoß
  • Monday 29.04. 16:45 - 18:15 Hörsaal I NIG Erdgeschoß
  • Monday 06.05. 16:45 - 18:15 Hörsaal I NIG Erdgeschoß
  • Monday 13.05. 16:45 - 18:15 Hörsaal I NIG Erdgeschoß
  • Monday 20.05. 16:45 - 18:15 Hörsaal I NIG Erdgeschoß
  • Monday 27.05. 16:45 - 18:15 Hörsaal I NIG Erdgeschoß
  • Monday 03.06. 16:45 - 18:15 Hörsaal I NIG Erdgeschoß
  • Monday 17.06. 16:45 - 18:15 Hörsaal I NIG Erdgeschoß

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

This lecture course will introduce you to major theoretical approaches, key practices and selected issues relevant to the study of popular cultures with a focus on the United States. We will learn that cultural theories make use of a plurality of approaches and methodologies. This diversity also reflects the plurality of possible meanings that can be associated with the concept of culture in general and popular culture in particular.
The first part of the lecture focusses on methodological aspects and media literacy (from film to music, from digital culture to body studies) as well as myth criticism as one approach in American Studies. In the second part, we will apply these methods to the different "Myths that Made America" (Heike Paul; see course reading), from the Self-Made Man to the Melting Pot, by "doing" Cultural Studies together, analyzing and discussing paintings, photographs, film clips, and other audiovisual material. Throughout the semester, we will investigate key issues such as historical contingencies, identities shaped by intersectionality as there are gender, race or class or the interrelation between power and knowledge.

Assessment and permitted materials

Written exam (3 parts: MC, short questions & definitions, essay)

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

Pass rate 60% out of 100%

Examination topics

Content of lecture plus obligatory readings

Reading list

available via Moodle
Heike Paul, The Myths that Made America (available Open Access at https://www.transcript-verlag.de/media/pdf/57/fd/1b/oa9783839414859qGQqCtbNa1D7p.pdf)

Association in the course directory

Studium: BEd 046 / 407
Code/Modul: BEd 04.2
Lehrinhalt: 12-4642

Last modified: Mo 07.09.2020 15:33