This course introduces students to a variety of forms of popular culture in modern China and possible ways of reading them using Cultural Studies methods. Rather than taking a chronicle approach to tracing the history of popular culture in China, we will adopt a generic approach to examine different forms of popular culture in modern and contemporary China. The forms of popular culture studied will include popular readings (fiction and other reading matter), newspapers, magazines, advertisements, propaganda posters, popular music, television shows, film, and popular religious movements. This course will give particular attention to popular culture in mainland China, though popular culture in Taiwan will also be discussed. We will explore such themes as the definitions of "popular culture," globalization and cultural trends, the encoding and decoding strategies of a popular "text," as well as the political, ideological and sociological messages behind a popular "text." All readings in English. Format: lecture/discussion. Evaluation will be based on regular in-class participation, two short (5-page) response papers, one final project, and a take-home final exam. No prerequisites. No Chinese language required, though students with Chinese language background are encouraged to work with Chinese sources if they wish. No enrollment limit: (expected: 15). Open to all

Hour: YU