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Popular Culture

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Immerse yourself in rapidly evolving, far-reaching expressions of shared cultures.

The construction of self, of groups, of popular icons and culturally significant phrases are but a Tweet away, and the ease with which these media can be engaged does not diminish their social impact. Through this minor, you will learn to read, interpret, critique and utilize various media to become more savvy consumers of popular culture. You will examine a variety of media—from print, film and television to popular music and video games—that focus on representations of historical figures and events, families, racial and ethnic groups, and political issues. Along the way, you will learn about the historical, social, business and governmental forces that affect popular culture as well as the psychological motivations for embracing or rejecting aspects of popular culture.

Digital communication majors are not eligible for this minor.

Requirements and Guidelines

  • This minor requires you to have completed at least 24 credits with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0.
  • You may use a maximum of 6 credits to satisfy both major (degree) and minor requirements.
  • You must earn at least a C (2.0) in each course you apply to the minor.

Minor Requirements (18 credits)


  • Interpreting Pop Culture (CMAT 271)
  • Media Literacy (CMAT 352)

Choose one of the following.

  • The Art of Film (ARTS 230)
  • Decoding Media (CMAT 231)
  • Literature & Film (ENGL 332)

Choose one of the following.

  • Mass Media & Society (CMAT 371)
  • Representing Reality: News & Documentary (CMAT 381)

Choose one of the following.

  • Popular Writing (WRIT 211)
  • The American Dream (ENGL 346)
  • The Archaeology of Language (ENGL 392)
  • Media Genres (CMAT 333/ENGL 333)
  • Creative Writing Workshop: Screenwriting (CMAT 363/WRIT 363)
  • Games, Simulations and Society (COSC 460)
  • Media and Government (GVPP 362)
  • Film and History (HIST 390)
  • Special Topics courses, as appropriate

Choose one additional course from any of those listed prior.

Faculty Contact: Professor Jon Shorr, 410.837.6059