Syllabus

Kate Hoyt - Communication Studies, University of Denver

COMN 1600.2 - Communication and Popular Culture

TR 8:00-9:50am, Sturm 410

Office Hours: By appointment only, Sturm Ste 166 Room 169 (First floor by the entrance from guest parking lot)

Framing Thoughts: “[Remix] has been used by film and television producers for the last 50 years. The importance is that that technique has been democratized. It is now anybody with access to a $1500 computer who can take sounds and images from the culture around us and use it to say things differently. These tools of creativity have become tools of speech. It is a literacy for this generation. This is how our kids speak. It is how our kids think. It is what your kids are as they increasingly understand digital technologies in relationship to themselves.” -Lawrence Lessig

Course Description: This course uses various landmark theories and perspectives to analyze popular culture, with a particular emphasis on the importance of communication in the production and consumption of culture. We will examine various artifacts of popular culture including music, movies, texts, advertisements, clothing, and other relevant pieces of popular culture. In the course of this exploration, we will study the development of culture by applying different theories or 'lenses' to these artifacts. Students will experience and analyze various aspects of popular culture including production and consumption, in addition to how these processes work within the context of globalization. We will take a critical perspective in which we will challenge our own conceptions and consumption of popular culture. The goal of this course is to combine relevant theories with your own observations and interests in order to develop a careful, critical, and constructive analysis of popular culture.

Course Objectives:

1.) Awareness and deeper understanding of the critical issues presented by popular culture.

2.) Critical thinking about the use of one’s own voice within the networked public sphere.

3.) An understanding of and commitment to media literacy.

Class Schedule, Resources and Canvas Site

Class schedule is subject to change; although I will email with any pressing changes, you are responsible for regularly checking the class site for updates, supplemental readings and blog-response assignments.

Real-time updates on class schedule and other resources and information can be found on the class blog: www.CommInPopCultureFall2015.blogspot.com

Required Texts

NONE - all will be provided digitally *Please do not buy the assigned book, Critical Media Studies, as the few sections I assign from it are provided for free as a library electronic resource: http://ca.eblib.com/patron/FullRecord.aspx?p=1557284 (must sign in using PioneerWeb credentials if off campus). All other texts will be provided/posted via PDF or link. Other equipment may be optimal for certain assignments, and a full list of equipment available for checkout is located at: http://library.du.edu/services/computers-tech-availability.html. Equipment utilized beyond this list will be up to your discretion, and any (reasonable) requests for additional technology will be sought by myself in conjunction with the University of Denver Department of Communication Studies.

Student Advisory - What You Should Know Before Taking This Class

In the past, Communication in Popular Culture has been a challenging class for both students taking it and faculty teaching it. Please read the following disclaimers to determine if this class is right for you. If you decide that this class isn’t for you, there will be absolutely no hard feelings!

-Please be aware that two projects for this class will be creative in nature, using digital media tools. We will have 2-3 media workshops where students will have the chance to learn how to use these tools and to test-drive them under the guidance of a media technology expert. Additionally, I am happy to meet with any students needing more help (I have an MFA in digital media). You do not need to be an artist to take this course, but it will help to have a willingness to learn new tools and express your creativity.

-The third section of this course, Critical Approaches and the Politics of Identity, will cover controversial issues such as race, gender, class, and sexuality. These are often politically-charged topics. As we study various topics of identity and culture you will soon find that even the most seemingly banal aspects of life have a political history behind them. I challenge my students not to push a political agenda, but to promote critical thinking. If you are uncomfortable with the idea of politics entering the classroom, I urge you to talk to me about it so I can advise you on whether this class is right for you. If there is anything that upsets you or makes you uncomfortable throughout the quarter, my door is always open, and I am open to feedback.

-In the Critical Approaches section, we will discuss problematic or harmful elements of media representation regarding marginalized communities. Sometimes, problems or criticisms are raised without there being a clear-cut solution or answer. If you are not comfortable with ambiguity, if you like for there to be a clear-cut answer to all questions asked in a class, then this class might be challenging for you. Often this class will raise critical thinking by voicing problems or critiquing the status quo; although I will pose possible ideas for resolutions to these problems, you must be comfortable with not having a clear-cut answer.

-We will also be critically analyzing popular culture and media that you may have enjoyed or wish to enjoy outside of class; some students may become frustrated because it appears as if, by pointing out problematic elements about various pieces of popular culture, I am telling you that you cannot enjoy these things in your off time or that I am saying you are a bad person for enjoying these things. The premise of this class is that we are all heavily influenced by media, which often has problematic or simplified representations of class, race, gender, sexuality, etc., BUT (!) we can enjoy these things while also thinking critically about them.

-We critique structures, not people. For example, I acknowledge that the cultural significance of wedding/engagement rings can have problematic implications from a feminist and consumerist perspective (i.e., the idea of a ring signifying that a woman is a man’s property, the problems surrounding the social status that surrounds diamonds despite the inhumane conditions of the diamond mining industry), but I still wear a ring. I welcome any critical perspectives regarding many of the media and cultural practices I engage in without assuming that those criticisms attack me personally. I strive to separate the structures of media and cultural influence from the people who are affected by them, and I encourage you to do the same.

-Finally, if any of these disclaimers have dissuaded you from taking the class, please just let me know via email so I can let anyone on the waitlist know that a spot is available for them. Again, there will be absolutely no hard feelings!

Dropping and Adding

You are responsible for understanding the policies and procedures about add/drops, academic renewal, and similar topics found at http://www.du.edu/registrar/regbill/reg_dropadd.html

*Since this is a full class, please EMAIL me if you plan to drop the class so I can let in students on the waitlist.

University Policies

Academic integrity

Your own commitment to learning, as evidenced by your enrollment at the University of Denver, and the University’s Honor Code (see http://www.du.edu/honorcode) requires you to be honest in all your academic course work. The University of Denver expects students to recognize the strength of personal differences while respecting institutional values. Students are encouraged to think and act for themselves, as that is the purpose of higher education. However, they must also understand that the University has non-negotiable values in which it believes strongly. The purpose of the Honor Code is to communicate these values to the University community, and promote an environment conducive to education, work, recreation, and study. Faculty members are required to report all infractions to the Office of Student Conduct. The policy on academic integrity can be found at the Office of Student Conduct website at http://www.du.edu/studentlife/ studentconduct/policies.html

You should, therefore, submit your own, original work for this course. I will uphold University of Denver’s policy on academic honesty. Consequently, an instance of academic misconduct (e.g., plagiarism, cheating, taking credit for others’ work, submitting work for another course as work for this one, etc.) will likely result in a failing course grade at a minimum.

University Disability Services

The Learning Effectiveness Program (LEP) is a comprehensive, fee-for-service program that provides academic support services beyond basic academic accommodations. See http:// www.du.edu/studentlife/disability/lep/index.html for more information. Students with Disabilities/Medical Issues

If you qualify for academic accommodations because of a disability or medical issue please submit a Faculty Letter to me from Disability Services Program (DSP) in a timely manner so that your needs may be addressed. DSP is located on the 4th floor of Ruffatto Hall; 1999 E. Evans Ave.303.871. / 2372 / 2278/ 7432. Information is also available on line at http://www.du.edu/disability/dsp; see the Handbook for Students with Disabilities.

Religious Accommodations Policy

University policy grants students excused absences from class or other organized activities or observance of religious holy days, unless the accommodation would create an undue hardship. You must notify me by the end of the first week of classes if you have any conflicts that may require an absence. It is your responsibility to make arrangements with me in advance to make up any missed work or in-class material.

Student Athletes

If you are a student-athlete, you should inform me of any class days to be missed due to DU sponsored varsity athletic events in which you are participating. Please provide me with an absence policy form by the end of the first week of class. You will need to make up any missed lectures, assignments, and/or exams.

____________________________________________________________________________

Attendance, Participation and Late Work Policy

Communication and Popular Culture is a participation-intensive class. Your willingness remain open to in-class exercises and to take risks will enhance your mastery of the course learning objectives outlined above. Additionally, a large percentage (20%) of your grade will be determined by the frequency, quality and thoughtfulness of your participation in this class. You will be allowed one (1) unexcused absence in this class which will not affect your grade, with the exception of additional personal and health emergencies (must have doctor’s note); unexcused absences beyond your one freebie will result in 5% drop in participation points and a 5% drop in the attendance grade. Three late arrivals (15 minutes late or more) will count as one absence. Four or more absences will result in automatic failure of the course. If you miss class on a day in which you are expected to give a presentation, you will not be able to make up that opportunity unless it is a genuine emergency and you contact me beforehand.

You will receive points for your participation grade (out of 30 points) every two (2) weeks. The rubric for participation grades is as follows:

30 - Superior thought and effort in participation, unique perspectives offered and respect shown to fellow students/instructor

27 - Adequate thought and effort in participation, respect shown to fellow students/instructor  

24 - Student was present and alert but did not verbally participate; respect shown to fellow students/instructor

21 - Student actively avoided/rejected opportunities to participate (i.e. did not speak during group presentations)

18 - Student disrupted the class, was disrespectful to fellow students/instructor or affected the class negatively

-7 points for every unexcused absence beyond the first freebie

You may also comment on the blog for additional participation points. Blog comments may add no more than 5 points to your participation grade per section (1 section = 2 weeks). If you would like to supplement your participation virtually, please post your comment on the appropriate blog post and be sure to get the comment in before the end of the 2 week section for credit.

Please be aware that I will only accept late work in cases of extreme personal emergency; furthermore, such work may be subject to a fifty percent grade penalty and/or additional, elaborative assignments. You should be aware of the importance of backing up your work and frequent saving, as technological failure is not an acceptable excuse for late work.

Electronic Devices

All cellphones must be silenced or turned off before the start of class. Laptops may be used during class discussions for note-taking and looking up references pertaining to class only. All laptops must remain closed during presentations given by students; inappropriate usage of laptops/smartphones will result in a reduction of your total participation grade. *Note - if it is the first time you are using a mobile device or computer out of turn, or if multiple students in the class are doing this, I will issue a warning; after that I will simply deduct 7 points for that section’s participation grade. I will be especially strict about this policy on days on which your peers are giving presentations.

Email Protocol

Although I typically receive and read your emails in a timely manner, please do not expect an immediate response during nights/weekends.

Although I welcome thoughtful and pressing inquiries about how to take your work further, if you are truly stuck on an assignment, please come see me during office hours, as face-to-face communication is more ideal in talking through your ideas about your work. Furthermore, your ability to find answers to your questions about assignments/readings on the website or in this syllabus will factor in to the priority your email takes. Please do contact me regarding emergencies, as these emails will take priority and I have an open-door policy about these matters.

Assignments*:

*Please note that all word count specifications are meant as a ballpark figure. I do not count words but do expect all requirements to be fulfilled (i.e. if you are significantly under the word count, I will not deduct points for that, but it is likely that there is required substance missing from your paper). Additionally, please note that I only accept digital submissions for writing assignments (i.e. by email or through Canvas)

Supplemental Material Group Presentation (100 pts): Throughout the quarter, there will be opportunities for the presentation of supplemental material pertaining to that day’s lesson. Groups will sign up ahead of time to read/listen/watch the supplemental material and conduct a 10-15 minute presentation and lead a brief class discussion in class. Presentations should include an overview of the general topic, how it connects to previous concepts from class, any key terms from the material, and a personal stance responding to the point of view expressed by the material (personal = pertaining to each individual group member; you may disagree with your fellow group members). Discussions should be facilitated through 2-3 thoughtful, probing questions (no yes/no questions) posed to the class.

Topic Proposal (100 pts): Your final project will be the production of an activist media product (see final project description for details). Please turn in a 1000-word proposal covering: 1.) the topic of your proposed project; 2.) a description of the final product that you propose; 3.) project goals and objectives; 4.) background/literature review for your topic, including how this topic has been covered in the media (both news and social media); 5.) methodologies/media techniques, including what media skills the project requires (so I can be sure to include this in the second Media Workshop), where you will get the content for your project and a proposed timeline of your work; and 6.) your personal views on/connection to your topic. Please include citations, in APA format.

Culture Jam Project (200 pts): This group project (groups of 2-3) entails digitally altering the logo or branding of a corporation, company, organization or public agency to make a social statement about it. We will go over what culture jamming is, look at successful examples, come up with a best practices list, and do a Digital Tools Workshop in the Digital Media Center at the Anderson Academic Commons before you are expected to complete it.

Media Analysis (100 pts): For this project, you will explore, in depth, the media coverage and treatment of your proposed topic. Please find at least two examples of news media coverage (blog, article, newscast, etc.) and at least two examples of social media commentary (tweet, FB post, article or blog comment), ideally expressing differing views or opinions; one of your four examples may also be a piece of entertainment media (TV show, sketch, web short, commercial, movie, music video, etc.), if your topic has been covered by it. Prepare a 1200 word analysis on: 1.) the background and context of the media artifacts (where it appeared, what the “rules” of this particular media platform are, how these “rules” have shaped a particular media culture); 2.) summary of each media artifact’s argument/perspective; 3.) how the different rules and cultures of each media platform have contributed to the way your topic was treated on these different platforms; and 4.) what your personal view is in response to the arguments/perspectives put forth by the media artifacts you analyzed.

FINAL Activist Media Product (300 pts): For this project, you will produce an activist media artifact that takes a stance on a pressing social/political/cultural issue pertaining to contemporary media studies. This project must show your unique opinion on this issue, which involves taking a stance. Your opinion does not have to be formed when you begin research for this project, but must be formed and reflected in the final product. You may choose the medium that best suits your creative impulses, skills and vision for your project. Time-based media (videos, sound files, etc.) should be no less than 1 minute and no more than 6 minutes. Grading will occur on the following basis: 1.) CITED 250-word artist statement; 2.) Clarity of argument; 3.) Incorporation of at least three (3) concepts from class (which should be clear from either the media piece and/or the artist statement); 4.) Aesthetic/Creative decision-making (reflecting competence with media tools, clear artistic vision and originality/risk-taking); 5.) Quality of citations within artist statement; and 6.) Quality of 5-minute presentation.

Participation (200 pts): In addition to contributing to class discussions, factors also include attendance, handing in signed and initialed copies of the syllabus, reading response prompts, participating in Group Presentation in-class discussions, responding to lecture prompt questions, and participation in group and solo exercises.

Grades

Doing adequate work where you have followed directions and incorporated necessary items into your assignments constitutes “C” work. Going above and beyond the baseline of expectations requires taking ownership of your work, risk-taking and pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. As a class based in emerging media literacy, the above three qualities are imperative for both finishing the course with the necessary skill set to advance within the Communication Studies program and to receive a competitive grade.

Grades will be entered on Canvas in a timely manner; for in-depth assignments, please click into the details of the grade you have received to read feedback, as I comment on both the successes and areas for improvement on all students’ in-depth assignments.

Grading Rubric

Participation	200
Supplemental Material Group Presentation	100
Final Topic Proposal	100
MIDTERM Culture Jam Project	200
Media Analysis Paper	100
FINAL Activist Media Product + Presentation	300
Total	1000

Grading Breakdown

• A = This grade is reserved for work that goes above and beyond the expectations, demonstrates conceptual expertise and conveys mastery of application. It is work that you could show outside the walls of the classroom. A-level work also requires risk-taking, demonstration of personal/intellectual growth outside of one’s comfort zone and respect shown for audiences, fellow students and instructor. *Please note that the University does not allow the assignment of an A+ grade.
• A (930 - 1000)
• A- (900 - 929)
• B = This grade is for above-average work. B-level work indicates that the student met and in some cases exceeded expectations, demonstrates competence with concepts and application, and has shown potential for intellectual/personal growth beyond the class.
• B+ (870 - 899)
• B (830 - 869)
• B- (800 - 829)
• C = Indicates average work. Student met all requirements and expectations, followed directions, and correctly applied the lessons from class. Risk-taking and intellectual/personal growth were not demonstrated in the completion of the assignment.
• C+ (770 - 799)
• C (730 - 769)
• C- (700 - 729)
• D = Indicates below average work. Not all requirements and expectations were met, directions were not followed and concepts from class may have been incorrectly applied. In some cases, a D grade may indicate that the work did not show respect for all audiences.
• D+ (670 - 699)
• D (630 - 669)
• D- (600 - 629)
• F = Indicates a failing grade for the assignment, meaning that the majority of requirements and expectations were not met, concepts were incorrectly applied or were absent and/or a general disrespect was shown within the work.
• F (0 - 599)