Thesis Topic- Does pop culture deserve academic study?
Thesis- In our world today, pop culture is reconfiguring traditional academic disciplines.
I –Introduction
Pop culture has taken the classroom on by storm. It is a field that is gradually becoming a legitimate field of study and taken seriously by seasoned educators. This pop culture revolution is helping many to better understand themselves and encourage creative expression. For some however, it is simply a distraction. Others view it as a tool to enhance what is learned through contextual experiences. In our world today, pop culture is reconfiguring traditional academic disciplines.
II. What is pop culture?
Pop culture has been defined as simply a collection of ideas that is favored more by the mainstream population. It can be easily identified on the internet or when watching television. In Psychology Today, “Popular culture is grounded in expressions of shared experiences that are much more fundamental to our society” (Taylor 1). Ironically, it is anything that gives off a pop whether it is in images or simply the attitudes of other individuals.
Forms of Pop Culture-Pop culture is what we consume whether it is in television shows, movies, or even in your apps.
Themes in Pop Culture- “Pop culture is at the heart of democratic citizenship.” (Batchelor 1).
Values expressed in Pop Culture- According to T. Valentine Parker, “But while I breathed deeply and hilariously the air of freedom, I was forced to acknowledge to myself that, entirely apart from any disciplinary values, my pursuit of classical studies had not been without cultural effects (Parker 288).
Scholastic inquiry into the pop culture phenomenon
Multiple uses and Meanings of the Art and Culture
Benefits of Pop Culture in the classroom- According to Liana Heitin, teachers were able to apply pop culture in order to address state literacy standards in their high school classroom. In their lesson, Lady Gaga and Hamlet easily coincided with one another (Heitin 1).
Valuable findings in the field of Cultural Studies
Dissenting Views on Pop Culture Studies
Opinions on Pop Culture Inclusion – “But it always felt academically suspect to me. It was pop culture, not high art” (Thomas 1).
Conclusion-
There is always going to be a debate on whether or not pop culture should be welcomed in the classroom. However, it can bring about teachable materials for any lesson. It could also keep students engaged in the learning process. It is a technique used to meet the needs of many students. Overall, the inclusion of pop culture in academic studies helps to deepen understanding.
Works Cited
Batchelor, Bob., ed. The Popular Culture Studies Journal. MPCA/ACA. n.d. Web. 15 July 2016.
Heitin, Liana. Pop Culture's Place in the Classroom. Education Week. 22 November 2011. Web 15 July 2016.
Parker, T. Valentine. "The Classics as Cultural Studies." The School Review 30.4 (1922): 288-93. Web 15 July 2016.
Taylor, Jim. Popular Culture: We Are What We Consume. Psychology Today. 8 December 2009. Web 15 July 2016.
Thomas, Laura. Bang! Pow! Pop Culture in the Classroom. Edutopia. n.d. 15 July 2016.
