The reader is one of several supplementary materials for a 15-week newspaper course about popular culture in the United States. Four major sections contain 57 readings from sources such as monographs, novels, journal articles, and research reports. The readings present research findings, personal observations, and debate over the definition and role of American popular culture. The first section, "What Manner of Mirror," gives a variety of perspectives on the nature of popular culture as a reflection of American society. The subject matter and mode of presentation of movies, television, and advertising are explored. Specific elements such as western movies and disc jockeys are discussed in terms of their influence on the public. In the second section, "Popular Culture and American Institutions," mass media events are reviewed. These include news and sports programs, special events such as the "Roots" television series, rock music, and country and western music. "Popular Culture and Social Change," the third section, examines the effect on the American public of televised and motion-picture images of minority groups; politicians; women; fashion; and life style. The last section, "The Future of Popular Culture," explores the expanding role of technology in the fields of entertainment and communications. (AV)