Transfers ToUC and CSUCal-GETC Area 4 · IGETC Area 4J · CSU GE Area D0DescriptionThis course analyzes the development of American popular culture through the methods and perspectives of sociology. Students will be exposed to the nature of popular culture, its connections to social institutions, social politics, economics, social identity, collective behavior, and social change. Some of the topics considered in the course include: video games, theme parks and consumer spaces, popular film, popular texts, television, fan culture, music, the Internet, popular sports, celebrity culture, youth culture, and advertising. Students will be encouraged to understand forms of popular culture beyond the level of appreciation to a level of critical thinking and critical awareness. 