need discussion 6

Module Six

Learning Objectives

By the end of this module, you will meet these learning objectives:

· Explain how utilizing a social science lens can impact one’s understanding of popular culture

· Explore a topic related to popular culture from the perspective of different general education lenses

· Describe how an analysis of popular culture could be applied to other aspects of one’s life

· Explain how critically analyzing popular culture can help in interactions with people in a variety of contexts

Module Overview

The  social sciences focus on the ways humans engage with each other and the systems we create. In many ways, it is the study of large human patterns. Social scientists study social structures that can be measured, and they often use the tools of statistics and demographic information to support their research. The social sciences include subjects like economics, sociology, geography, psychology, and political science. 

The social sciences analyze the cultural and behavioral similarities and differences that affect our engagement with popular culture. This analysis can include various existing social constructions, including race, ethnicity, and cultural identity; gender identity; social class; caste; and the barriers imposed based on age and ability. Often, we may have membership in several groups, a mix of cultures and subcultures that intersect to form our unique experiences. We may be born into one type of culture, acquiring it as a part of our community or self-identity. The processes of cultural acquisition by experience help us to understand how groups form around different areas of popular culture, often referred to as  fandoms.

Each fandom develops its own norms and values—in essence, becoming its own culture. When you think of your own fandom(s), what are common behaviors of the group? For instance, common attributes of sports fans may include wearing team gear/colors, gathering to watch a match, and engaging in superstitions and rituals. Fans of certain franchises, such as  Star Trek or  Harry Potter, may have certain clothes they wear, trinkets, or collectibles on their desks and might make references to the series in conversations. Beyond the behaviors, these groups share certain values about how to treat each other (insiders) or those outside the group (outsiders). Sports fans may jokingly taunt fans of another team, or  Harry Potter fans may share a common appreciation for the series’ messages of love and inclusion. When you think of fandoms in which you are an insider, what are the common beliefs and values you share as a group? When you think of fandoms in which you are an outsider, what do you observe about that group’s beliefs and behaviors?

As you review this module’s resources and the overview of the social science lens from  The Four General Education Lenses, think about how the lenses discussed already interact. Also, consider the following questions: How does the social science lens impact our concept of self and our sense of others in society? How are these concepts reflected in our perceptions of others and society as a whole? How do we adjust our behavior in accordance with what these popular culture examples relay to us?

Module at a Glance

This is the recommended plan for completing the reading assignments and activities within the module. Additional information can be found in the module Resources section and on the module table of contents page.

1. Review all module resources.

2. Participate in the Module Six discussion.

3. Complete the Module Six activity.