Office Hours

In-depth study of leading theories and research in media and cultural studies from a comparative perspective. Focuses on a particular group of theorists, range of media, movement, theme, critical or theoretical issue, or analytic approach. Considers international dimensions of media and cultural studies. May be repeated for credit with permission of instructor. Taught in English.

Prereqs:  Permission of instructor

Topic for Spring 2010: Global Music and Digital Youth Culture

What can we learn about contemporary culture from "viral" dance crazes, mashups, and skinny jeans? The convergence of global pop, social networks, and international digital youth culture represents a profound shift in how we imagine and access the world around us. Focusing on specific technologies and platforms (e.g., YouTube, Facebook, imeem, blogs, torrents, production software), this course examines how digital tools -- especially since the advent of peer-to-peer applications and social networks -- have shaped, as they have been informed by, the practices and values of the people using them. While focusing on a variety of forms and platforms, our study will primarily use music as a crucial connective thread to discuss contemporary media and culture.

Units: 3-0-9(U)