“Fandom, Social Media, and Authenticity in the Digital Age” focuses your attention on the interconnected dynamics of identity, representation, interpretation, and self-reflection. It asks the question: how, where, and with whom do we inhabit the worlds of fandom and popular culture in the digital age? We will explore the role of digital media in the production of celebrity and fandom, using social media tools and platforms as a running case study. More broadly, the course is about what media studies scholar Henry Jenkins has called “participatory culture,” the processes by which bring our selves into digital spaces, establish trust and authenticity (or challenge these concepts), and negotiate identity in and amongst others. Along the way, you will develop skills in critical self-reflection and communication, as well as analysis and interpretation. You’ll audit your own social media usage, and put this learning in context with major social media presences of our era. Course-Level Learning Outcomes
- Define and describe the relationship between fandom, popular culture, and digital media as each impact our identity and interactions with others
- Apply critical self-reflection and close reading frameworks through personal and professional writing and online publication
- Engage with pop culture and fandom communities by leveraging online platforms to make connections and synthesize learning
- Reflect on your personal relationship to social media, identity, representation, and social interaction online
Course 1 Skills:
- Personal Development
- Analysis
- Digital Literacy
- Writing
- Social Media
- Close Reading
Define and describe the relationship between fandom, popular culture, and digital media as each impact our identity and interactions with others
Apply critical self-reflection and close reading frameworks through personal and professional writing
Engage with pop culture and fandom communities by leveraging online platforms to make connections and synthesize learning
Reflect on your personal relationship to social media, identity, representation, and social interaction online
Syllabus
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
Week 1
Fandom, Popular Culture, and Digital Media in Context
Week 2
Social Media, Representation, and Participatory Culture
Week 3
Experience, Ideology, and Pop Culture Interpretation
Week 4
The Dark Side of Social Media
FAQ
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
Access to lectures and assignments depends on your type of enrollment. If you take a course in audit mode, you will be able to see most course materials for free. To access graded assignments and to earn a Certificate, you will need to purchase the Certificate experience, during or after your audit. If you don't see the audit option:
The course may not offer an audit option. You can try a Free Trial instead, or apply for Financial Aid.
The course may offer 'Full Course, No Certificate' instead. This option lets you see all course materials, submit required assessments, and get a final grade. This also means that you will not be able to purchase a Certificate experience.
What will I get if I subscribe to this Specialization?
When you enroll in the course, you get access to all of the courses in the Specialization, and you earn a certificate when you complete the work. Your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. If you only want to read and view the course content, you can audit the course for free.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. In select learning programs, you can apply for financial aid or a scholarship if you can’t afford the enrollment fee. If fin aid or scholarship is available for your learning program selection, you’ll find a link to apply on the description page.
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