Artesis Plantijn Hogeschool Antwerpen
Koninklijke Academie van Antwerpen
Pop Culture28655/3353/2425/1/06
Study guide

Pop Culture

28655/3353/2425/1/06
Academic year 2024-25
Is found in:
  • Master of Arts in Visual Arts, programme stage 1
    Choice package:
    • opleidingsonderdelen te kiezen aan 12 studiepunten (voltijds)
    • opleidingsonderdelen te kiezen aan hoogstens 12 studiepunten (deeltijds)
  • Master of Arts in Visual Arts
    Choice package:
    • Elective courses for 12 credits (full time)
    • Elective courses for max 12 credits (parttime)
This is a single course unit.
Study load: 3 credits
Special admission is required to enrol in this course unit under
  • exam contract (to obtain a credit).
  • exam contract (to obtain a degree).
Co-ordinator: Ubben Eric (eng)
Languages: English
Scheduled for: Semester 2
This course unit is marked out of 20 (rounded to an integer).
Possible deadlines for learning account: 15.03.2025 ()
Re-sit exam: is possible.
Possibility of deliberation: You have to pass this course unit (will never be deliberated).
Total study time: 90,00 hours

Prerequisites

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Short description

Pop culture as a phenomenon is of all times. Traces of low culture can be found in the graffiti and street performances during Roman times.
Another interesting aspect is the notion that 'pop culture' rarely can be categorized as static. Early expressions of popular culture such as Jazz Music (rooted in the brothels of New Orléans in the early twentieth century) or cartoon strips (often inserted in the popular press), evolved long term from low to high culture. Pop Culture will not deal with topics related to contemporary/specific Art History or Film History. It will however focus on aspects of popular music, cartoon and sub culture.

Prerequisite competencies (text)

Students have a decent knowledge of the Cultural History and are able to understand and read academic English. They can do rearch independently and work as a team on assignments.

Learning outcomes (list)

MA6 - The student is able to take and defend a critical position with regard to relevant social, cultural, artistic and international developments.
The student has insight into the history and development of various forms of popular culture.

Course content

The course is divided in capita selecta which enables us to literally surf through an underexposed aspect of human history. In ancient Rome several early examples of graffiti were conserved. But the breakthrough of popular culture grows during the industrial revolution and upcoming middle class. A rapid succession of inventions will help to broaden audiences

Study material (text): Recommended

  • Performing Glam Rock: Gender and Theatricality in Popular Music (Philip Auslander, University of Michigan Press 2006)
  • Masters of American Comics (John Carlin, ed. Yale University Press 2005)
  • Theory and pop culture an introduction (John Storey, Routledge Press 2008)

Educational organisation (list)

Learning Activities
Collaborative learning60,00 hours
  • Remark: students will present a case study on contemporary aspects of pop culture
Lectures and / or tutorials30,00 hours
  • Remark: Lectures will be accompanied with short audio and videoclips plus a PPT

Evaluation (list)

Evaluation(s) for first exam chance
MomentForm%Remark
Eerste examenperiodeKnowledge and comprehension test during the examination series100,00
Evaluation(s) for re-sit exam
MomentForm%Remark
2nd examination periodKnowledge and comprehension test during the examination series100,00

Evaluation (text)

Paper