The Cultural Politics of Bad Taste

Semester and Year	SP 2013
Course Number	IDSEM-UG1738
Section	001
Instructor	Julian Cornell
Days	Thu
Time	6:20 PM - 9:00 PM
Units	4.0
Level	U
Foundation Requirement	HUM

Description

This seminar investigates the ideological, political and historical parameters of ‘taste’ in popular culture. Through examination of media artifacts that exemplify ‘trash’, the course examines how ‘taste’ is constituted as a cultural category that reflects, produces and maintains the social structures of American society. What is meant by designations such as ‘good’ and ‘bad’ media, ‘high and ‘low’ art, ‘offensive’ or ‘artistic’ and who is empowered to make these distinctions? How do ‘bad objects’ reveal the ideological basis of ‘taste,’ and what is their relationship to ‘legitimate’ art forms? Does ‘trash’ pose a challenge to cultural standards of taste and ‘the mainstream’? What is the relationship between ‘bad’ art and spectatorship and why might audiences find ‘trash’ so enthralling? Readings are drawn from Bourdieu’s Distinction , Glynn’s Tabloid Culture , Ross’ No Respect , and the anthology Trash Culture, while screenings include cult films such as Mystery Science Theater 3000 , Pink  Flamingos , Plan 9 From Outer Space , South  Park , and The Room , and a selection of reality TV programs, music and viral videos.

Syllabus

IDSEM-UG1738

Course Type

Interdisciplinary Seminars (IDSEM-UG)