New Course

This is a preliminary course description for the class I will be teaching next year:

This course is designed to introduce students to a critical and analytical examination of 21st Century popular culture and media. The main objective of the course is to provide students with the tools to effectively “deconstruct” the constant flow of messages in television, magazines, newspapers, Internet, music and videos. To that end, students will uncover embedded messages in popular music, contemporary film, advertising, newscasts, serial programming, print media and online sites, among others. Students also will learn the difference between fact, information and propaganda in a rapidly evolving information age. The course will teach students critical theory and how to apply that theory to the media maelstrom they confront on a daily basis. Requirements: Open to 11th and 12th grades only.