Politics and Popular Culture
Does Popular Culture have the power to shape people's perceptions?
The course explores the power of popular culture to shape people's perception - common sense - of how the world works, our place in this world, as well as how different political actions can be justified. The course provides a range of conceptual and methodological tools to analyze the political narratives we encounter in the cinema, on streaming services, on television and in social media, with a focus on dystopias and Speculative Fiction (SF). Theoretical work is combined with methodological creativity and empirical analysis.
After completing the course, the student can
- consider their own use of popular culture in a scientific way
- show oral and written ability to understand both the theoretical traditions the course rests on as well as associated concepts and epistemological starting points
- distinguish between primary and secondary sources, and show the ability to compare different sources' ways of passing on knowledge about world politics; and
- apply these insights in independent analysis of popular cultural texts.
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Course structure
The course is given at half pace, daytime with lectures and seminars.Teaching format
Teaching consists of lectures and seminars. Compulsory elements: All teaching is compulsory. Oral presentations at seminars as well as written submissions are mandatory elements of the course. Attendance of at least 80% is required.
Assessment
The course is examined through a home exam. Oral presentations and written submissions are mandatory parts of the course and attendance is met.
Examiner
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Schedule
The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course. -
Meet us
Meet our teachers
Alexa Robertson is professor of Media and Communication Studies and associate professor of Political Science. Alexa teaches two courses at IMS at the second level: Media and Politics in a Globalizing World and Politics and Popular Culture, and also teaches the course Introduction to Global Media Studies.
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Contact
Exchange and Alumni CoordinatorBirgitta Fiedler
Student Counsellor Journalism and Media and Communication StudiesMattias JohannessonStudent Counsellor
- Office hours
According to agreement
- Irregular office hours
Out of office 20 December 2024 to 7 January 2025
