BMET 23A24 - Arab POP! Popular Culture & Critique in the Arab World

This course explores popular culture in the Arab world as a lens to understand the complexities and nuances of Arab societies. By examining various forms of cultural expression —including literature, poetry, music, film and cartoons— students will investigate how popular culture reflects and shapes societal values, identities, and power structures in the Arab world. Through critical analysis and interdisciplinary methodologies, the course addresses key questions: How does popular culture reflect political, economic, and social transformations? What role do media and technology play in amplifying or contesting dominant narratives? How do cultural productions engage with themes like gender, religion, class, migration, and resistance? Drawing on case studies from across the region, the course also emphasizes the methodological tools necessary to analyze popular culture. Students will learn to critically assess cultural artifacts, consider the impact of globalization and localization, creating a unique “critical glocal paradigm” and engage with theoretical frameworks from cultural studies, media studies, and Middle Eastern studies. By the end of the course, students will develop an in-depth understanding of how popular culture operates as both a mirror of and a participant in the broader sociopolitical realities of Arab societies.

Alaa BADR

Atelier

English

Spring 2024-2025

1°) An in-class presentation/exposé - 35% 2°) A 500-word short essay answering a question agreed upon by the student and lecturer (Due week 6) - 20% 3°) A 2500-word dissertation on a research topic of the student's choice using the methods learned throughout the course (Due week 12)- 35% 4°) In-class attendance and participation (including attention and active listening) 10 %

A workshop exploring methodologies in analyzing aspects of artistic production and popular culture in the SWANA region. The format will be a mix of in-class presentations by the students and lectures. Whenever suitable the artists in question can be invited for guest lectures with the students (via zoom or in person). (tbc: in coordination with the ateliers artistiques on campus, students can recreate works of art, themes studied in class be it short films, poetry, music, which could culminate in an end of year exhibition.)