In this course, we explore the intersection of technology and cultural hegemony, focusing on how underrepresented groups utilize mediums like zines, underground comics, rap music, and Internet memes to create communities, challenge oppression, and promote social and political change. Each week we'll look at a different 'technology' or group, understanding its historical context and impact. Topics range from subverting government censorship and control, taboos and subcultures, gender and ethnic minorities, to contemporary uses of underground media.
This is primarily a discussion-based course, and students are expected to share their opinions and questions each week in class. Students are expected to prepare by reading assigned texts (or sometimes videos) before class, participate in weekly class discussions, and write a short weekly response paper.
Once during the semester, each student (in a small group) will lead the class discussion on a subtopic of their choice.
There is also a final project, the details of which are to be proposed by the students and accepted by the professor.
No previous knowledge is needed. Instead, this course serves more as a primer or gateway to these topics.
This course is taught in English and is designed to be accessible by all students with an intermediate English level and above.