Topics in Political Science (242-0-71)

Topic

Politics and Pop Culture in the MENA

Instructors

Yasmeen Mekawy

Meeting Info

Northwestern Qatar Room 2-227: Tues, Su 2:30PM - 3:45PM (AST)

Overview of class

This course will examine the relationship between popular culture and politics in the MENA. Pop culture, such as cinema, television, street art, music, and social media, has been a means of both resisting and shoring up authority, of affirming and subverting societal norms and taboos, enabling the production of new forms of community and publics, and of motivating and expressing political action. We will critically examine examples of pop culture from societies throughout the region, analyzing their connection to power structures and changes in ideology and nationalism, gender/class/religious identity and practice, comportment and urban space, and state power. This course will draw on research approaches in media studies and anthropology to theorize the role of popular culture in reflecting, challenging, and expanding political horizons in the region.

Registration Requirements

Prerequisites: None

Open to first year students and sophomores and ABP Dual Enrolled students

Open for cross-registration

Satisfies Middle East Studies Mino & Middle East Studies Minor

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: NUQ: Seats are reserved for Sophomore and Freshmen only.