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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 and symbolic ambiguities. 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 reading texts as 'cultural diagnosis.' This will 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 analyse excerpts of Anglophone films and TV and investigate how and in which way they function as a means of Postmodern cultural diagnosis. Depending on student wishes, we might also, in the second half, embark on a more elaborate close reading of a single film / TV Series or franchise (e.g. Stranger Things, Sex Education. Marvel Cinematic Universe, X-Men franchise, DC Extended Universe, James Bond, The Walking Dead, and so forth). |
