In this course we will investigate the relationship between the individual, the mass, and the medium from the early twentieth century to today. We will begin with the phenomenon of mass media and the idea of popular culture as it has historically been constituted by the film, television, and radio industries. We will then turn our attention to contemporary algorithmic media, from streaming platforms like Netflix and Spotify to social media platforms like Instagram and Twitter. Through an engagement with major theoretical works in media studies and the formal analysis of media objects including films, TV shows, and video games, we will consider the ways that popular media across a range of historical and cultural contexts have been theorized in terms of identity, social control, and spectacle.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 20

Prerequisites: None.

Instructor: Gutierrez

Distribution Requirements: ARS - Visual Arts, Music, Theater, Film and Video

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Not Offered

Notes: