Eurovision 2006: Pop Culture and Social Change in Contemporary Europe

In 1989 German citizens dismantled Berlin wall and life in Europe
changed forever.  East and West Germany were reunited while
Yugoslavia, a social and economic success of the Eastern Bloc, broke
up in conditions of genocide and war.  The introduction of the Euro in
1999 strengthened relationships across European Union borders.  At the
same time, EU support for minority languages challenges national unity
within national borders.  The rising number of refugees and economic
migrants in the 1990’s and today are one sign of the effects of
globalization in Europe.  And, of course, Europeans have something to
say about all of it.  Popular culture- films, graphic novels, plays,
music, television and blogs- are a major outlet where people declare,
discuss, and debate their attitudes towards the events affecting their
lives.

The purpose of this class is to study the role of popular culture in
changing Europe. Students will become familiar with scholarship
analyzing recent events in Europe. Then, we will  critically examine
forms of popular culture that have contributed to public discussions
about these issues.  These include feature and documentary films,
graphic novels, music, and theater.  These specific topics will be
used to ask general questions about what “Europe” is and who
“Europeans” are.  We will also talk about what the study of popular
culture offers scholars trying to understand contemporary cultures.
The format of the class will include collaborative student
presentations and written briefings, discussion, and lecture.

Students interested in this class should contact Kate at
kacostel@indiana.edu with questions.