Essay #1: Write a two page essay about one of the following keywords. Your essay should discuss the significance of the term and consider its various implications in American popular culture. You should consider relevant theoretical, historical, and contemporary cultural issues. Your response should show particular command of materials from the second half of the session.
reality
identity
network
subculture
Essay #2: In a two page essay, respond to one of the following prompts. Again please consider relevant theoretical, historical, and contemporary cultural issues. Your response should show command of materials from the entire term.
A. From the “Fejee Mermaid” to “Chocolate Rain,” popular culture has always been produced by its audiences—or, put another way, by the democratic interaction between producer and consumer. Agree or disagree with this statement.
B. Theorist Karl Marx described culture as a “superstructure” built on the “base” of economic and social reality. But the history and contemporary dynamics of American popular culture suggest that culture may often precede or even cause economic and social changes and realities. Offer your own assessment of the relationship between popular culture and social/economic change.
C. In the words of one scholar, “The history of popular culture in America has revolved largely around the emergence, disappearance, and reappearance of cultural hierarchy.” Reflect on this statement and provide your own interpretation of the history, theory, and contemporary realities of cultural hierarchy.
Exams should be double-spaced with margins of approximately one inch. You can cite course readings parenthetically within the text or in footnote/endnote form. You need only indicate author and page number (e.g. Pomerance, 67). Please refrain from using outside readings for this exam.
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