EDP2302

Popular culture: structure, perceptions, interpretations

Dr J Edwards

6 points - 2 hours per week - Second semester - Peninsula - Prerequisites: EDP2301

Objectives Upon successful completion of this subject, students should have developed knowledge and understandings about the way in which popular culture is shaped by media and communication and cultural and social organisations; developed knowledge and understanding about the role cultural and social organisations play in people's perceptions and interpretations of culture; undertaken an independent research project and associated methodology.

Synopsis This subject highlights the range of cultural experiences and the mechanisms and structures which shape people's perceptions and interpretations of popular culture. Students will have the opportunity to explore, for example, the way in which groups and organisations such as peer, groups, gang membership, special interest groups influence and interpret the culture. Emphasis will be placed in the way popular culture is shaped by various media, communication technology and cultural and social organisations. Students will have the opportunity to explore power relationships in the society particularly as they relate to race, stereotyping and gender and the impact this, in turn, has on popular culture. There is a fieldwork component involved in this subject. Access to television and a VCR is essential. This subject is available to all Bachelor of Teaching Primary and Early Childhood students.

Assessment Research assignment (2000 words): 70% - Seminar paper and presentation (1500 words): 30%

Recommended texts

Fiske J Reading popular culture Unwin Hyman, 1989
Fiske J Television culture Routledge, 1987
Lewis G and Slade C Critical communication Prentice-Hall, 1994

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