ATS2000 · From Freud to Friends: Ethnic identity in popular culture

Overview

Ethnicity has been a hallmark of popular culture in the modern period, from the representation of ethnic stereotypes in Vaudeville in the late-19th century, to the advent of radio and television through the middle of the twentieth century, to recent decades with television series like The Sopranos and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. This unit will investigate the ways in which ethnic identities have been represented in popular culture throughout the twentieth century, taking as its case studies representations of Jews, Italians, African-Americans, and Asian-Americans. It will ask what functions certain stereotypes of these groups play in popular media such as television, film, music, comedy, and musical theatre. Throughout the class we will discuss films such as The Godfather and Crazy Rich Asians; television series such as Broad City, Black-ish, and Fresh Off the Boat; comedians such as Eddie Murphy, Ali Wong, and Sarah Silverman; and musicals such as Fiddler on the Roof and Hamilton. By looking at these case studies in comparative perspective, you will develop your cultural literacy and be able to critically analyse your own position in the world around you. You will develop analytical skills to navigate cultural differences that will serve you well beyond your analysis of pop cultural artefacts.

Areas of study: Jewish studies

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. analyse how ethnic and cultural identities are represented, interpreted or valued in a range of popular media;
2. assess the impact and meaning of representations of ethnic and cultural differences;
3. explain how representations of ethnic identities are historically contingent;
4. critically analyse a range of primary source materials;
5. Undertake independent research;
6. communicate findings both orally and in writing.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. A unit requires on average three/four hours of scheduled activities per week. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.