Week 4: Pop Culture and the Media

Week 4: Pop Culture and the Media

• Study the relationship between the media and pop culture

• Analyse the role of media conglomerates in shaping pop culture

• Discuss the impact of social media on pop culture and its influence on individual and collective attitudes and beliefs

• Analyse the impact of the media on the representation of marginalized communities in pop culture

"Introduction to the relationship between the media and pop culture"

Objective: Students will understand the relationship between the media and pop culture, and how the media has contributed to the development of pop culture.

Activities:

1. Warm-up activity: Students write down your favourite TV shows, movies, and music artists and discuss why you enjoy them.

Pop culture, including how it has been influenced by the media over time.

The history of pop culture can be traced back to the early 20th century when radio, movies, and music emerged as popular forms of entertainment. The rise of television in the 1950s and 1960s further contributed to the development of pop culture. 

The media played a significant role in shaping pop culture by promoting new trends and styles, and showcasing popular celebrities and cultural icons. 

With the emergence of the internet and social media in the late 20th century, pop culture became even more ubiquitous and accessible to the masses. Today, the media continues to play a critical role in shaping pop culture and influencing the tastes and attitudes of society. 

1. Discussion: The role of the media in shaping pop culture and the ways in which the media has influenced popular trends and tastes.

2. Group Activity: Students will work in groups to analyse the ways in which different media outlets (e.g. TV, movies, music) contribute to the development of pop culture.

3. Reflection: Students will reflect on the impact of the media on their own attitudes and beliefs about pop culture.

"Media conglomerates and their influence on pop culture"

Objective: Students will understand the role of media conglomerates in shaping pop culture and the impact of their influence on the media landscape.

Activities:

1. Warm-up activity: Students list your favorite media companies (e.g. Disney, Sony, Warner Bros.) and discuss why they enjoy their content.

Media conglomerates are large companies that own multiple media outlets, such as television networks, movie studios, publishing houses, and record labels. The history of media conglomerates can be traced back to the mid-20th century when companies like Time Warner and Viacom began acquiring smaller media companies to create a larger, more diversified media portfolio. 

Over time, media conglomerates have become more dominant and influential, often acquiring and consolidating media outlets to create a monopoly on the market. The consolidation of media outlets has led to concerns over media ownership and control, and the impact on media diversity and representation. 

Today, a few large media conglomerates, such as Disney, Comcast, and AT&T, dominate the media landscape, shaping popular culture and influencing public opinion. 

Discussion: The impact of media conglomerates on the types of content that are produced and the ways in which they influence popular trends and tastes.

Group Activity: Students will work in groups to research and analyse the ownership structures of different media conglomerates and the impact of their influence on the media landscape.

"Social media and its influence on pop culture"

Objective: Students will understand the impact of social media on pop culture and the ways in which it influences individual and collective attitudes and beliefs.

Activities:

1. Warm-up activity: Students share your favorite social media platforms and discuss how you use them.

1. Discussion: The impact of social media on the development of pop culture and the ways in which it influences individual and collective attitudes and beliefs.

2. Group Activity: Students will work in groups to analyse the ways in which social media has influenced the representation of marginalised communities in pop culture.

3. Reflection: Students will reflect on the impact of social media on their own attitudes and beliefs about pop culture, and the ways in which they engage with it through social media platforms.