Week 2: The Evolution of Pop Culture

• Study the history of pop culture and how it has changed over time

• Explore the impact of technological advancements on the evolution of pop culture

• Analyse the role of mass media in shaping and promoting pop culture

• Analyse the impact of cultural, social, and political events on the evolution of pop culture

Activity Title: "The Evolution of Pop Culture"

Procedure:

Introduction (10 minutes):

Looking at different forms of pop culture, including music, TV, film, social media, and more.

The History of Pop Culture (30 minutes):

Divide the students into groups of four.

Give each group a specific time period, such as the 1950s, 1960s, 1970s, etc.

Each group to research and make a presentation on the pop culture of their assigned time period, including the most popular forms of pop culture, influential artists, and major cultural and social events.

After each group presentation, have a class discussion on the similarities and differences between the different time periods and how pop culture has changed over time.

Technological Advancements (30 minutes):

Class discussion on the impact of technological advancements on the evolution of pop culture.

• Brainstorm the different ways technology has changed the way pop culture is produced, distributed, and consumed. Examples, such as the rise of the internet, social media, and streaming services, and their impact on the music, film, and television industries.

Mass Media (30 minutes):

Discussion on the role of mass media in shaping and promoting pop culture.

Ask the students to analyse the influence of media conglomerates, such as Disney and Time Warner, on the pop culture landscape.

Here are examples of how mass media has been used to promote specific cultural, social, and political agendas, and how this has shaped the evolution of pop culture.

1. Music: In the 1960s, popular music was used as a tool for promoting social and political change. The music of Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, and other folk singers was used to protest against the Vietnam War and the civil rights movement. Later, hip hop music emerged as a platform for expressing African American and Hispanic culture and addressing issues such as poverty, racism, and police brutality

1. Film and Television: Film and television have been used to promote cultural and social values and to shape public opinion on a wide range of issues. For example, during the 1950s and 60s, Western films portrayed Native Americans as savage and inferior, promoting the idea of white superiority. More recently, TV shows such as Modern Family and Transparent have helped to promote LGBTQ rights and acceptance.

1. Advertising: Advertising is a powerful tool for promoting specific cultural and social values and for shaping the evolution of pop culture. For example, advertisements for beauty products promote a specific image of femininity, which often involves being thin, young, and conventionally attractive. This has contributed to the evolution of pop culture by promoting certain beauty standards and ideals.

Cultural, Social, and Political Events 

Class discussion on the impact of cultural, social, and political events on the evolution of pop culture.

Students to provide examples of how major cultural, social, and political events, such as the Civil Rights Movement, the Women's Movement, and the LGBTQ+ rights movement, have shaped and influenced the evolution of pop culture. Discuss the role of activism and resistance in shaping and promoting pop culture.

Evolution of Pop Music (1940 - 2020)

This video explores the history and evolution of pop music, from the 1950s to the present day. It covers a range of genres, artists, and cultural movements that have influenced the development of pop music over the decades.

1. What is pop culture, and how has it evolved over time in response to social, economic, and technological changes?

2. How did the rise of mass media, such as television and radio, contribute to the spread of pop culture in the 20th century?

3. What were some of the defining characteristics of pop culture in different eras, such as the 1950s, 1980s, and 2000s?

4. How has the globalization of pop culture affected local cultures and identities around the world?

5. What are some of the controversies and debates surrounding pop culture, such as issues of representation, appropriation, and commercialization?