Journalistic practice in the United States has gone through a number of changes in recent history, much of it because of television. The significance of these changes might be better understood with a theory on the social function of news and its relationship to the postmodern culture. News is considered in some way as the ground material of…

Analyzes the character portrayals of foreigners as they are depicted in the juvenile literature that was popular during the first half of the twentieth century. See CS 702 316 for availability information. (RB)

Explores the work of Innis, McLuhan, Dewey, Carey, Williams, and Habermas through their images of the cultural crisis and how they conceive of communication. (JMF)

One of the foremost scholars on popular culture discusses trends in recent popular culture which have culminated in new styles of violence and pornography. (Editor/RK)

The boundaries between entertainment, education, and commercialization collapse through Disney's reach into diverse spheres of everyday life. Disney's "innocence" is a promotional mask covering its aggressive marketing techniques and influence in transforming children into active consumers. Although Disney's films are joyous and…

The main characters in a movie can serve individuals in many different ways, but the usual way is to appear good. In whatever form, stories of individuals are a useful part of popular culture when they offer models of how individuals might save themselves or be saved. However, there are other ways. Villains, monsters, and enemies can be at the…

This paper presents an elaboration of the relationship between politics and music video, to discern if the political climate impacts upon the cultural landscape. The paper analyzes in detail Don Henley's "The End of Innocence" because Henley is a prominent political activist and views music as a vehicle for change. The paper also makes…

Reflecting the ideas of Roland Barthes, this paper examines the nature and importance of myth as a type of speech. The investigation proceeds by discussing myth from the perspectives of both traditional and contemporary disciplines, then considers the universality of myth, its religious impulse, and its functions. Using examples from television…

This paper discusses the concept of popular culture, relating it to new journalism as a phenomenon which reflects the popular images of society. Style is the essential element of popular culture so that the kind of writing presently known as new journalism is the ultimate example of the philosophy that style is supreme. But the style of the best…

Describes the most recent phase of the long-range research called "Cultural Indicators" which yields an annual television violence profile. This report stresses methodology, current findings on the distribution of power in the world of television drama, and some behavioral correlates of viewing. (JMF)

Explores the response of a Vietnam veteran to the film "Platoon." Notes that the film combines two voices, the veteran as journalist-critic and as priest, which mystify rather than explain the Vietnam experience. Argues that this form of priestly rhetoric serves an enduring hierarchy of power and knowledge. (KEH)

Describes a classroom activity to demonstrate how popular music can perpetuate the stereotyping of women. Identifies materials needed, suggested songs, and questions to ask students. Suggests homework assignment dealing with contemporary songs. (DK)

Today, "connoisseurship" conjures up images of fusty old men in tweeds arguing over ancient etchings or perhaps the patter of opera buffs as they pass bejeweled into the night. Connoisseurship is neither fashionable nor politically correct. It signifies a focus on works of art rather than issues of power and is foreign to a cultural…

This article provides a conceptual account and empirical analyses of the development of "boundary-crossing competence"--the ability to function competently in multiple contexts--using representative cases from two after-school programs with immigrant and low-socioeconomic status students. Our findings suggest that organizational designs…

The philosophical and social attitudes of human beings from early man to the present are outlined, and projections for the future are suggested. Human life styles are divided into five broad categories--nomadic, agrarian, industrial, service, and leisure. "Service" represents the present way of life while "leisure" is the term used for the future.…