The two sides of the course title will be explored simultaneously.  That is, how does religion play a part in, impact, and/or critique popular culture?  And, how does popular culture enter into, affect and/or critique religion?

By the end of the semester you should
 

• be familiar with many of the most recent and most academically influential theories of popular culture
• be adept with some critical tools for analyzing media of popular culture (ads, TV, movies, music)
• be adept at searching the web for examples and analyses of popular culture