Topics in Asian American Social and Cultural Analysis (203-0-1)
Topic
Media, Culture, and Identity
Instructors
Helen H Cho
Meeting Info
Kresge Centennial Hall 2-319: Tues, Thurs 3:30PM - 4:50PM
Overview of class
How are our everyday interactions with media and culture shaping - and shaped by - our identities? In this class, we critically explore the relationship between power, ideology, and cultural narratives in mass media and everyday life. We consider the structural and institutional contexts in which these narratives develop, and how media often mirror and reinforce existing inequity. Through the lens of various intersecting social categories, such as race, ethnicity, class, gender, sexuality, nationality, and religion, we examine media representations of identities, communities, and solidarities, and how audiences receive, resist, and reframe these narratives. Collectively, we trace "Asian American narratives" through present-day cultural forms, such as true crime documentaries, reality TV, political advertising, and our own social media feeds. This course provides students with the theoretical tools to develop critical media literacy.
Class Materials (Required)
All course materials will be available on Canvas.
Class Notes
Attendance at first class is mandatory.
Students will be required to attend an event outside of class time.
Class Attributes
Social & Behavioral Sciences Distro Area