Communication & Popular Culture Coursebook
Edition: 7
Copyright: 2026
Pages: 138
Edition: 7
Copyright: 2026
Pages: 138
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Ebook
$33.00 USD
What is popular culture? How does popular culture communicate with us through media? Out of what historical, commercial, and creative contexts does popular culture emerge? Communication & Popular Culture Coursebook presents an introduction to U.S. popular culture, with an emphasis on its forms and functions in our society. This volume focuses on four key areas—text, industry, historical context, and audience—that construct popular culture’s meanings in order to empower students with the critical skills to understand cultural texts. By considering how popular culture has both shaped and reflected broader social power dynamics in the United States, students gain unique insight into modern life, as well as tools to navigate its increasing complexity.
Course Description
Course Objectives
Overview of Assignments
Final Grade Scale
Course Policies
SPCM100 Course Contract
SPCM100 Honor Pledge
Assignment Grading Scales
Paper Grading Criteria
Tips for Writing SPCM100 Papers
Punctuating Titles Guidelines
Unit 1: Popular Culture Texts
Introduction
Illustrated Glossary
Grading Rubric: Illustrated Glossary
Illustrated Glossary: Terms & Definitions
Audiovisual Elements: Additional Terms (For Your Reference)
Narrative Elements: Additional Terms (For Your Reference)
Unit 2: Popular Culture Industries
Introduction
Pop Culture Pitch: Industry Insider Presentation
Grading Rubric: Pop Culture Pitch
Group Peer Evaluation
Unit 3: Popular Culture & Historical Context
Introduction
Intersectionality Case Study FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Latino USA Listening Guide
Cultural Criticism Snapshot
Getting Started on Your Cultural Criticism Snapshot
Grading Rubric: Cultural Criticism Snapshot
Annotated Bibliography Worksheet
Cultural Criticism Snapshot: Peer Review (Draft – For Writer Worksheet)
Cultural Criticism Snapshot: Peer Review (Draft – For Reviewer Worksheet)
Unit 4: Popular Culture Audiences & Technologies
Introduction
SPCM 100 Competencies and Career Exploration
SPCM 100 Competencies and Career Exploration Worksheet
Grading Rubric: Competencies and Career Exploration (F2F, In-Person Classes)
Grading Rubric: Competencies and Career Exploration (Virtual, Online Only Classes)
CSU Career Competencies
Communication Studies Career Pathways
Communication Studies Core Curriculum
Department of Communication Studies Concentrations
Appendix
Commitment to Group Work
Pop Culture Inventory
Historical Context Method Lab
Grading Rubric—Historical Context Method Lab
Museum Exhibit Poster
Grading Rubric—Museum Exhibit Poster