Reference no: EM133195280 , Length: 3 pages.

Assignment: Social Science Paper

I would like you to choose any theorist whose work we have reviewed so far this semester to advance a social criticism of a major motion picture or television series in 4 to 5 pages paper (about 1,000 words,).

You should cite the theorist via the textbook as well as two additional sources

(One of the sources can be from a popular periodical, e.g. a review/ analysis of a movie you are writing about in a major news/ culture publication).

For example, you might use Gramsci's notion of hegemony to explain how real oppression is represented, reinforced and resisted within the narratives of the various Star Wars films. Or you might use Foucault's concept of the panopticon to discuss how power and knowledge articulate in Black Mirror episodes dealing with the surveillance capacities of digital communication technologies. Or you might use the Frankfurt School to discuss how Marvel (or other) movie franchises effectively lull the audience into obeisance by providing shallow, predictable narratives. Or you could come up with your own angle!!!!!

Choose a cultural text (movie, TV series, popular music album, etc) that you believe has made a significant impact on our society, for better or worse, and discuss the text through the lens of one of the theorists discussed in this course. In addition to the text, you should cite at least 2 additional sources (either sources authored by the theorist or discussing that thinker's approach to popular culture).

Here are some possible questions to engage with in crafting this essay:

1. Has the cultural text generally had a beneficial or deleterious effect on the way people conceive of the world around them? i.e. has it proven "enlightening" or "eye-opening" for consumers, or has it served to keep people blinded to larger forces of domination and control?

2. Does the cultural text serve to aggravate existing systems of discrimination or does it challenge preconceived notions? How?

3. Is the narrative described in the cultural text empowering or disempowering? Does it encourage agency or does it lull consumers into passive obeisance?

4. Is the cultural text reflective of broader power dynamics (including the systems of control and ownership) or does it represent a genuine feat of cultural ingenuity? Why?

5. Would you recommend the cultural text to the general population? Based on what criteria (be sure to cite a theorist in delineating the criteria)?