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).
- Lehrende(r): Torsten Caeners