Course Syllabus

The major objection to the orthodox Marxist analysis of culture and religion is not that it is wrong, but that it is too narrow, rigid and dogmatic. It views popular culture and religion only as instruments of domination, vehicles of pacification. It sees only their negative and repressive elements … [and] refuses to acknowledge the positive, liberating aspects of popular culture and religion, and their potential for fostering structural social change.

Cornel West, Prophecy Deliverance!

In this course, students have the opportunity to explore the interactions between religion and popular culture change within modern mass-mediated culture. The constructions of popular culture (mass market storytelling, sports, music, etc.) and the activity of the  audience (fandom and other forms of participation) are examined as forms of meaning making and cultural interpretation which may incorporate, challenge, change or replace traditional religion and its practices.                  Jeffrey H. Mahan

Instructor Information
Required Reading
Course outline
Assignments, Due Dates, and Grades
Bibliography
Policies

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