Course Syllabus

Tuesday, 8:30AM to Noon       Note: April 21 session will be online

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!

Religion and Popular Culture in America, Third Edition by Bruce David Forbes, Jeffrey H. Mahan

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

Contacting the Instructor: Emailing me at jmahan@iliff.edu or messaging me through Canvas is the best way to reach me outside of class. I try to respond within 24 hours, though I don't usually respond over the weekend. I am happy to make an appointment to meet on campus, in Zoom, or by phone. JHM


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

Potential graduates: I must have your final paper submission by noon on May 25th so that I can review it and confirm to the registrar that are passing this course. JM

Technology Issues: If you need assistance with Canvas email, contact support@iliff.edu   or call them at 303-909-9321. Please leave a message and the staff will get back to you as soon as possible. They are typically available 8:30AM - 7:00ish in the Mountain Time Zone.

Course Summary:

Date Details Due