Abstract
The Politics of American Pop Culture, an upper level political science elective, uses theories of culture, intersectionality, and institutions to help students ask and answer critical questions around power in the American Political system.
Through an analysis of film, television (both reality and scripted), music, musical theater, and professional athletics, students are forced to analyze power dynamics around race, class, and gender – why do some groups work outside the formal political system through popular culture to change the system so it works to their advantage.
This paper/discussion will define what we mean by popular culture today, how students are exposed to various works of popular culture, and how using this framework has created more engaging discussions around oppression, representation, and engagement. Finally, it will discuss how students elevate their own understanding of popular culture in the American political discourse.