*POPULAR CULTURE

Catalog description

Critical examination of contemporary popular culture from a sociological perspective. Debates in the field of cultural sociology, including a critique of the distinction between 'high' and 'low' forms of culture, the social distinction between work and leisure time, the influence of society on individual patterns of consumption and personal taste, and the sociology of everyday life. Specific topics include mass media, sports, leisure activities, fashion, youth culture, science fiction, music, talk shows, soap operas, internet chat rooms, personal ads, home shopping, and folklore.