Politics and Popular Culture
Course on advanced level/second cycle. in English. The course is about narratives of politics in a globalized world, and more specifically depictions of contemporary world politics in science fiction and fantasy (SF).
Several key concepts to be explored are central to theoretical debates in both the humanities and social sciences, but tend to be used in very different ways by political scientists and media scholars - concepts such as realism, representation, identity, myth and power.
The course is structured around two theoretical traditions: the study of international relations, and narrative theory.
No previous knowledge of either field is required, nor are students supposed to become experts in these traditions by the end of the course. Instead, students will be expected to make scholarship out of the banal, by relating these theories to the sorts of popular culture texts encountered in everyday life, and in particular novels and films from the science fiction and fantasy genre.
Information for admitted students autumn 2024
Congratulations! You have been admitted at Stockholm University and we hope that you will enjoy your studies with us.
In order to ensure that your studies begin as smoothly as possible we have compiled a short checklist for the beginning of the semester.
Follow the instructions on whether you have to reply to your offer or not.
universityadmissions.se
Checklist for admitted students
-
Activate your university account
The first step in being able to register and gain access to all the university's IT services.
-
Register at your department
Registration can be done in different ways. Read the instructions from your department below.
-
Read all the information on this page
Here you will find what you need to know before your course or programme starts.
IMPORTANT
Your seat may be withdrawn if you do not register according to the instructions provided by your department.
Information from the department - courses
For you who have been admitted to courses/programmes at the Department of Media Studies.
Dear student, via the link below you find information regarding registration and other practical concerns such as waiting list, conditionally admitted and more.
Timetable semester start Fall 2024
August 6: Welcome emails start being sent out from us to those admitted - to the email address you used when you applied for the course/programme at antagning.se/universityadmissions.se
August 6 - 26: Online registration for all courses (unless otherwise stated in the welcome email). NOTE: To keep your place, you must register online, unless otherwise noted. The welcome email contains all the information you need for online registration.
Week 34, 2024: from this date, reserves can be accepted. You will be contacted via email and will have to respond quickly to accept your place.
September 2: Start of the Fall semester.
Registration - How to:
Read more on the department website
Welcome activities
Stockholm University organises a series of welcome activities that stretch over a few weeks at the beginning of each semester. The programme is voluntary (attendance is optional) and includes Arrival Service at the airport and an Orientation Day, see more details about these events below.
Your department may also organise activities for welcoming international students. More information will be provided by your specific department.
Find your way on campus
Stockholm University's main campus is in the Frescati area, north of the city centre. While most of our departments and offices are located here, there are also campus areas in other parts of the city.
Read more
For new international students
Several key concepts to be explored are central to theoretical debates in both the humanities and social sciences, but tend to be used in very different ways by political scientists and media scholars - concepts such as realism, representation, identity, myth and power.
The course is structured around two theoretical traditions: the study of international relations, and narrative theory.
No previous knowledge of either field is required, nor are students supposed to become experts in these traditions by the end of the course. Instead, students will be expected to make scholarship out of the banal, by relating these theories to the sorts of popular culture texts encountered in everyday life, and in particular novels and films from the science fiction and fantasy genre.
-
Course structure
After completing the course, the student can
- compare myths about politics in IR and popular cultural texts,
- show oral and written ability to understand both the theoretical traditions of the course and the related concepts and epistemological points of departure,
- distinguish between primary and secondary sources, and show ability to compare different sources' ways of passing on knowledge of world politics; and apply these insights to independent analysis of popular cultural texts.Teaching format
Teaching takes place in English in the form of lectures and seminars. All teaching is compulsory.
Assessment
The course is examined through a home exam, written assignments and an oral presentation. For more detailed information, see the course description.
Examiner
-
Schedule
The schedule will be available no later than one month before the start of the course. We do not recommend print-outs as changes can occur. At the start of the course, your department will advise where you can find your schedule during the course. -
Course literature
Note that the course literature can be changed up to two months before the start of the course.Published two months before course start.
-
Course reports
-
Contact
studievagledare@ims.su.se
