Course description

This course explores texts that are generally considered to be popular, such as those produced for mass consumption. Theories from the field of cultural studies inform the general approach to the material, which means that the cultural contexts for the texts are foregrounded. These contexts might include histories of production and reception, economic forces, gender relations, sexuality and/or issues of race. The course examines a range of media which may draw from the products of mass print, digital, visual, cinematic and/or electronic cultures. “Songs of Dylan and Cohen” will examine selected songs of two highly celebrated singer-songwriters: Bob Dylan and Leonard Cohen. We will closely examine the lyrics alongside academic statements about the songs and their cultural contexts.