popular culture as spectacle
We have discussed several aspects of popular culture as spectacle — cultural production that has visual impact. For this assignment, you will join your analytical lens with outside sources to make an argument about the visual impact of a piece of pop culture. Or, put another way, answer the questions:
– In what ways is this a spectacle? What is its visual impact?
– What impact or relationship does this spectacle have to cultural ideologies?
You will need to consider who produces it and who views it, in addition to the visual information conveyed in the object of your choice.
Your essay should include the following:
* an argument; an argument is one possible answer to a research question that is supported with evidence, the utilization of which will make up the body of your paper and should be rooted in the object you are analyzing.
* a brief description, followed by a close reading of the visual elements of your chosen object: what do you see? What stands out? What does it tell you? What does it make you feel? What does it make you think about? What visual argument does it make — that is, what do the visual elements tell you about culture/cultural ideologies?
* your analysis, as well as engagement with two other texts (engagement can mean agreement/support or disagreement/conflict). At least one of these texts must be from our class; the other can be a secondary source, including internet articles.
* when relevant, please attach the object or an appropriate link with your essay as an appendix
Your assignment should be 4-5 double spaced typed pages in length.
The tone/style does not need to be overly formal, but you should proofread, and use the following format:
12 point font, Times New Roman, 1” margins
Double spaced, Pages numbered
Header includes your name, the title of the class, and the date
In text citations (footnote or parenthetical) and a Works Cited section at the end
