CHIN 219(S) Popular Culture in Modern China*
This course adopts a generic approach to introducing students to a variety of forms of popular culture in modern and contemporary China. The forms of popular culture studied include popular readings (fiction, newspapers, magazines), advertisements, propaganda posters, popular music, television shows, film, and popular religious movements. 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 in-class participation, oral presentations, two short response papers, one midterm, and one final research project.
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