Pop Culture Across Cultures

Context & Description

South Korean pop artist Psy’s smash hit single “Gangnam Style” is more than just a song. It is a cultural phenomenon. The video has gone viral on YouTube, garnering over 600 MILLION hits in just three months, becoming the third-most viewed video on the website (YouTube.com). “Gangnam Style” has been remade and parodied by hundreds of people all around the world. Psy’s popularity has crossed over from South Korea to many countries including the United States. He has granted interviews to the Today Show and the Ellen DeGeneres Show, danced “Gangnam Style” with Britney Spears, and become one of the most popular Halloween costumes of 2012. And through this buzz in the United States, one thing remains the same: the song is sung in Korean (not English).

“Gangnam Style” is one of the many K-Pop (Korean Pop) songs in what Chinese journalists called the Korean wave (??), “a phenomenon that refers to the onslaught of South Korean entertainment in Asia and, more recently, in other parts of the world” (Valerio). Despite differences in language, Psy’s song is now a mainstay in popular (pop) culture in the United States and beyond. However, Psy’s “Gangnam Style” is definitely not the first K-Pop song to exist: groups like 2NE1 and BIGBANG are certainly popular in Korea, but they did not make as big of a splash as Psy’s hit. What was it that made “Gangnam Style” so popular? Why Psy? Why now? Is it Psy’s appearance? The dance associated with the song? The music itself? The lyrics? The splashy, fun music video? Or is it the catchy concept, “Dress classy and dance cheesy”? And what might be the influence of this song on K-Pop music in the US in the future?

The purpose of this project is to explore the nature of popularity by examining a transnational flow of pop culture–a situation that requires the negotiation of different values, assumptions and tastes. What makes a popular artifact from one culture “cross over” to other cultures? What makes the artifact popular in the first place? Why are people drawn to artifacts from certain countries? Why do people seek alternatives from other cultures? What ideological, social, cultural, political, economic, and/or historical factors affect the popularity of an artifact in different countries? What makes one artifact internationally appealing while other artifacts from the same country do not gain the same kind of popularity? How does the success of one artifact open the door for other artifacts from the same country?

Write a feature magazine article that analyzes a transnational cultural artifact: a song, music video, user-created video, movie, blog, book, fashion style, celebrity, etc. In preparation for this project, explore the criteria that help explain what makes a cultural artifact popular in one context and consider how the same criteria may or may not apply to another context. Then, identify a pop culture artifact. It may be something that has crossed over the national boundary or one that you think has the potential of becoming a transnational phenomenon. Alternatively, you can choose an artifact that has no hope of becoming accepted beyond its original cultural context. Once you have identified your artifact, explore the literature to find out what has been said about the artifact and its reception–both within its original cultural context and in other countries. The literature may include various media, including newspaper and magazine articles as well as blogs, parodies, comments on interactive websites. You may even find articles about the artifact in academic journals. Then, using the sources you have identified as well as your own analysis of the artifact, write an article that describes the artifact and explains why it has become the international success that it has, why it has the potential for such success, or why it has no hope of becoming one. You may also consider how the artifact has been and can be adapted to audiences in different locale. Based on your analysis, also consider its implications for transnational pop culture as a whole, for other pop culture artifacts from similar cultural contexts, or for the future of the artifact that you have examined.

Learning Objectives

Through this project, you will learn to:

• Use discussion with peers to explore and develop ideas
• Synthesize ideas and information from multiple sources
• Engage in research in multiple venues, such as the library and internet resources
• Explore an idea from multiple dimensions
• Analyze an artifact (object, concept) by developing or exploring criteria
• Present your ideas and analyses
• Consider the implications of your analysis

Audience

For this project, your audience will be readers of an entertainment magazine. You could choose a publication that is specific to the type of pop culture artifact you are examining (e.g., movies, video games, or music). You could write for a pop culture magazine in general that cuts across different kinds of artifacts. You might choose a magazine or publication that is specific to the particular culture where your artifact originated. Or, you can write for an age-specific magazine, such as a publication that targets college-age readers.

Your readers could include music lovers, movie buffs, or video game fanatics. Or, they might be members of a mass audience who are curious about, interested in, or surprised by the shift in today’s pop culture scene.

The Genre of the Feature Magazine Article

There are several specific steps you should take to complete the final written copy of this feature magazine article. First, create an opening to identify your chosen cultural artifact and to explain its transnational status. Next, provide a detailed description of the artifact and how it has been received in different cultural contexts. Then, write an analysis of what makes the artifact popular (currently or potentially) or not so popular. You may follow with a discussion of how it may be adapted (if applicable). Finally, include a discussion of the implications–what the artifact says about transnational pop culture in general or about pop culture from similar cultural contexts, or about the future of the artifact under consideration.

Format: MLA, Times New Roman, 12 point font

Sources: At least five (5) sources, cited in MLA format

Length: At least six (6) full pages

First Draft Due: Monday, November 24

Final Draft Due: Friday, December 5

Research Paper

Paper details:
POLITICAL RESEARCH PORTFOLIO
The Political Research Paper/ Portfolio fulfills the University research requirement and may include but is not limited to research of; The Federal Reserve, Czars, executive orders, U.S. Debt, political issues, politicians, voting records, media bias, conducting polls, observing Congressional hearings, discussing civil liberties and understanding the historical accuracy behind the constitution of the United States. Students must write their entire paper. Do not copy, paste and merely site. Do not site another person’s paper. The only thing that should come up in Turn it in as plagiarized is the website or info used to conduct research. Do not quote definitions as part of your writing. This is analytical writing/discussion, based on research conducted. It is suggested that correct headings or numbers are identifiable on each assignment. Portfolios are worth a large % of the total grade. Assignments are due on the due date and will not be accepted late. 5 minutes past due day and time, is late. The research must be a minimum of 14 pages single spaced, college caliber with references listed in MLA format. Written Evaluation of Political Research Portfolios: This is an analytical research paper. Research assignments, written papers, briefs and general essay papers or exams must display correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Analytical reasoning must be effective and founded in credible, accurate information. A paper, brief, argument, essay or exam that is false in application of the law or politics and instead is full of general opinions that are not supported by accurate credible evidence, will receive an F/0/ no points received/ no credit. Assignments need to be complete, at least 1 page in length per writing, single spaced, college caliber, to receive credit. MLA format is required in citing sources or websites must be sited. Any paper that has been plagiarized, wholly or in part, will receive a score of zero, with NO option for rewriting.
The following criteria describe the expectations associated with each grade:
A: The work exceeds the minimum requirements in many significant ways. An A is reserved for excellent and superior analysis of political issues, credible information, references are strong, and grammar is college caliber.
B: The work exceeds some requirements. Lacks proficient grammar, political analysis, and information is lacking in analytical reasoning and poor use of sources.
C: The work meets the minimum requirements for acceptable completion of the assignments. You have performed at an acceptable level.
D: The work falls short of minimum requirements. Grammar and analysis are poor quality.
F: The work fails to meet requirements in many ways.
The 1000 word-writing requirement is met by completing writing assignments including writing applications of the study of American politics. Examples include conducting opinion polls, media evaluations, political critiques, and group writing assignments.

The Issue: To research, and discover credible reliable information and be able to ascertain the truth and not be manipulated or persuaded without being educated.
Research: The following will be discussed in class, web sites shared, and info relayed to help students complete the research. Research the following 13 sections and discuss to the best of your ability. Please refer to the syllabus for all requirements, formats, and due date.
Section 1: The following are current controversial political issues in the United States. Consider this to be a debate on paper, please present both sides of the issue to receive full credit. Answers must be factual and not based solely on opinion. Opinions may be used in the conclusion, however credible info must be provided to support any opinions to receive credit. Additional topics may be added during the semester. This assignment is worth 40 points.
Voter ID laws Agenda 21 NSA Mandatory Vaccines
SEIU and ACORN Fast and Furious ISIS
NDAA / Patriot Act Drones Iran deal
Second Amendment Benghazi Common Core
Section 2: Research the following forms or theories of government listed below and discuss.
A. Communism B. Marxist
C. Socialism D. Monarchy
E. Republic F. Dictator
G. Totalitarianism H. Tyranny
I. Anarchy
Section 3: Examine the following historical documents: the U.S. Constitution, the Articles of Confederation, Declaration of Independence and the Federalist Papers. Use sources below or site your own sources and complete the following questions for each document and discuss.
http://thomas.loc.gov/
http://archives.gov/
1. Date(s) of Document:
2. Author(s) of Document:
3. What was the purpose, goal or intent?
Section 4: Research the power struggle between the state and federal government. Give examples. What determines who has the Power? Discuss.
Section 5:
a. What is the Federal Reserve?
b. What is the Free Market?
c. Currently the United States is in debt. What is the current debt amount? How did the United States become so far in debt? If you were able to decide the tax structure, what would you choose (flat, fair, progressive) and why? Should individuals that do not pay into the tax structure be entitled to receive or benefit from taxes? Why? How much of every dollar that you earn should you be entitled to keep?
d. SPENDING: Name 10 things the local, 10 things the state and 10 things the federal government spend the taxpayer’s money on.
e. Create a personal budget, assume you get a job upon graduation, figure out your salary at an entry level position; gross and net, subtract the local, state and federal taxes, the mortgage or rent and home owners insurance, food, pg and e, car insurance and car payment, health insurance and co-pays, vision, dental, gas, phone, cable, internet, prescriptions, household items, necessities (CLOTHING AND PERSONAL ITEMS), if children are included then you must include the cost of raising them (day care, medical expenses etc.)
Section 6: List local, state and federal politicians currently in office. Include all politicians in your local district, in your state and federal. This includes your school board member, city council member or supervisor. Not all elected officials are in your district; make sure you only list your elected officials. List your politician’s name, position, party affiliation. DO NOT LIST ALL MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Section 7:
President
1. What is an executive order?
2. How many executive orders has your current President signed?
3. Discuss the most unusual order you could find.
Czars
1. List all of the current Czars, their title and salary.
2. How do they obtain their position?

Section 8: Judges
Name local Judges and their party.
Name all Ca Supreme Court Judges and their party.
Name all U.S. Supreme Court Judges and their party.
What power do judges have according to article 3?

Section 9: Choose four media news sources to evaluate. Feel free to use any source that we have used in class. Which source gives the consumer more information or covers more topics of importance? Who owns the media sources? Which political party do they donate funds to? Find evidence of bias headings or biased reporting from one left and one right source? Papers must have two left leaning and two right leaning sources. Discuss.
Section 10: Conduct a poll of 10 people on political issues. Ask 10 political questions of 10 topics. You may use topics discussed in the course as your questions. List your questions. Questions must be college level questions. Discuss.
Section 11: Discuss 4 political parties of your choice and their platforms. What have you learned about the different political parties?
Section 12: Research the following 12 organizations. 6 are from the left and 6 are from the right. Add 2 of your own.
Move on Media matters
Tides Foundation Weather underground
Center for American Progress Organizing for America
Media research center Freedom works
Heritage foundation Center for Self Governance
Human events National Review
Section 13: Research and explain what a bond, prop, absentee ballot, provisional ballot and office block ballot are. Check California Secretary of State for anything cleared for the next election. If there is a bond or prop, please list.

Conclusion: What have your learned completing this assignment? Discuss.

Research Paper

Paper details:
POLITICAL RESEARCH PORTFOLIO
The Political Research Paper/ Portfolio fulfills the University research requirement and may include but is not limited to research of; The Federal Reserve, Czars, executive orders, U.S. Debt, political issues, politicians, voting records, media bias, conducting polls, observing Congressional hearings, discussing civil liberties and understanding the historical accuracy behind the constitution of the United States. Students must write their entire paper. Do not copy, paste and merely site. Do not site another person’s paper. The only thing that should come up in Turn it in as plagiarized is the website or info used to conduct research. Do not quote definitions as part of your writing. This is analytical writing/discussion, based on research conducted. It is suggested that correct headings or numbers are identifiable on each assignment. Portfolios are worth a large % of the total grade. Assignments are due on the due date and will not be accepted late. 5 minutes past due day and time, is late. The research must be a minimum of 14 pages single spaced, college caliber with references listed in MLA format. Written Evaluation of Political Research Portfolios: This is an analytical research paper. Research assignments, written papers, briefs and general essay papers or exams must display correct grammar, spelling, and punctuation. Analytical reasoning must be effective and founded in credible, accurate information. A paper, brief, argument, essay or exam that is false in application of the law or politics and instead is full of general opinions that are not supported by accurate credible evidence, will receive an F/0/ no points received/ no credit. Assignments need to be complete, at least 1 page in length per writing, single spaced, college caliber, to receive credit. MLA format is required in citing sources or websites must be sited. Any paper that has been plagiarized, wholly or in part, will receive a score of zero, with NO option for rewriting.
The following criteria describe the expectations associated with each grade:
A: The work exceeds the minimum requirements in many significant ways. An A is reserved for excellent and superior analysis of political issues, credible information, references are strong, and grammar is college caliber.
B: The work exceeds some requirements. Lacks proficient grammar, political analysis, and information is lacking in analytical reasoning and poor use of sources.
C: The work meets the minimum requirements for acceptable completion of the assignments. You have performed at an acceptable level.
D: The work falls short of minimum requirements. Grammar and analysis are poor quality.
F: The work fails to meet requirements in many ways.
The 1000 word-writing requirement is met by completing writing assignments including writing applications of the study of American politics. Examples include conducting opinion polls, media evaluations, political critiques, and group writing assignments.

The Issue: To research, and discover credible reliable information and be able to ascertain the truth and not be manipulated or persuaded without being educated.
Research: The following will be discussed in class, web sites shared, and info relayed to help students complete the research. Research the following 13 sections and discuss to the best of your ability. Please refer to the syllabus for all requirements, formats, and due date.
Section 1: The following are current controversial political issues in the United States. Consider this to be a debate on paper, please present both sides of the issue to receive full credit. Answers must be factual and not based solely on opinion. Opinions may be used in the conclusion, however credible info must be provided to support any opinions to receive credit. Additional topics may be added during the semester. This assignment is worth 40 points.
Voter ID laws Agenda 21 NSA Mandatory Vaccines
SEIU and ACORN Fast and Furious ISIS
NDAA / Patriot Act Drones Iran deal
Second Amendment Benghazi Common Core
Section 2: Research the following forms or theories of government listed below and discuss.
A. Communism B. Marxist
C. Socialism D. Monarchy
E. Republic F. Dictator
G. Totalitarianism H. Tyranny
I. Anarchy
Section 3: Examine the following historical documents: the U.S. Constitution, the Articles of Confederation, Declaration of Independence and the Federalist Papers. Use sources below or site your own sources and complete the following questions for each document and discuss.
http://thomas.loc.gov/
http://archives.gov/
1. Date(s) of Document:
2. Author(s) of Document:
3. What was the purpose, goal or intent?
Section 4: Research the power struggle between the state and federal government. Give examples. What determines who has the Power? Discuss.
Section 5:
a. What is the Federal Reserve?
b. What is the Free Market?
c. Currently the United States is in debt. What is the current debt amount? How did the United States become so far in debt? If you were able to decide the tax structure, what would you choose (flat, fair, progressive) and why? Should individuals that do not pay into the tax structure be entitled to receive or benefit from taxes? Why? How much of every dollar that you earn should you be entitled to keep?
d. SPENDING: Name 10 things the local, 10 things the state and 10 things the federal government spend the taxpayer’s money on.
e. Create a personal budget, assume you get a job upon graduation, figure out your salary at an entry level position; gross and net, subtract the local, state and federal taxes, the mortgage or rent and home owners insurance, food, pg and e, car insurance and car payment, health insurance and co-pays, vision, dental, gas, phone, cable, internet, prescriptions, household items, necessities (CLOTHING AND PERSONAL ITEMS), if children are included then you must include the cost of raising them (day care, medical expenses etc.)
Section 6: List local, state and federal politicians currently in office. Include all politicians in your local district, in your state and federal. This includes your school board member, city council member or supervisor. Not all elected officials are in your district; make sure you only list your elected officials. List your politician’s name, position, party affiliation. DO NOT LIST ALL MEMBERS OF CITY COUNCIL, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Section 7:
President
1. What is an executive order?
2. How many executive orders has your current President signed?
3. Discuss the most unusual order you could find.
Czars
1. List all of the current Czars, their title and salary.
2. How do they obtain their position?

Section 8: Judges
Name local Judges and their party.
Name all Ca Supreme Court Judges and their party.
Name all U.S. Supreme Court Judges and their party.
What power do judges have according to article 3?

Section 9: Choose four media news sources to evaluate. Feel free to use any source that we have used in class. Which source gives the consumer more information or covers more topics of importance? Who owns the media sources? Which political party do they donate funds to? Find evidence of bias headings or biased reporting from one left and one right source? Papers must have two left leaning and two right leaning sources. Discuss.
Section 10: Conduct a poll of 10 people on political issues. Ask 10 political questions of 10 topics. You may use topics discussed in the course as your questions. List your questions. Questions must be college level questions. Discuss.
Section 11: Discuss 4 political parties of your choice and their platforms. What have you learned about the different political parties?
Section 12: Research the following 12 organizations. 6 are from the left and 6 are from the right. Add 2 of your own.
Move on Media matters
Tides Foundation Weather underground
Center for American Progress Organizing for America
Media research center Freedom works
Heritage foundation Center for Self Governance
Human events National Review
Section 13: Research and explain what a bond, prop, absentee ballot, provisional ballot and office block ballot are. Check California Secretary of State for anything cleared for the next election. If there is a bond or prop, please list.

Conclusion: What have your learned completing this assignment? Discuss.