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The terms ‘postmodern', ‘postmodernity', or ‘postmodernism' are used to describe a vast heterogeneous array of cultural practices and occurrences. Rather than possessing a clear-cut definition, these terms exhibit a fluidity of meaning which makes them hard to pin down. Likewise, products of popular culture are not always mere superficial means of entertainment, but can – and do – serve as tools of cultural critique through the lens of fictional storytelling. In this seminar, we will begin by looking at a number of current concepts, theoretical approaches and definitions of ‘the postmodern' as well as the notion of fiction as 'cultural diagnosis' to set up some necessary categories and methodological tools for the analysis of popular culture that follows. In the second half of the seminar we will then analyze excerpts of Anglophone films and TV series (mostly comedy, science-fiction/fantasy) and investigate how and in which way they function as a means of Postmodern cultural diagnosis.
A Reader for this course will be available in the copy-shop in "Reckhammerweg" at the beginning of the semester.
Please note: Although this is NOT a pure film / TV series seminar, we will deal with a broad selection of recent films and series (for instance, Lost, Scrubs, The Simpsons, Inception, Battlestar Galactica, Prometheus ...). Consequently, a good working knowledge of these series and films is strongly recommended, if not required. |
