This course investigates the history, production, reception, and circulation of Korean popular music (K-pop). The course is designed in three modules: the first module offers a critical overview of the history of Korean popular music from 1900 to the present; the second module focuses on the political economy of K-pop; the third module investigates various social issues concerning K-pop, including gender politics, cultural appropriation, visual and aural aesthetics, fandom culture, use of technology, etc. Students will engage with both scholarly articles and popular sources, as well as music videos and albums. Knowledge of the Korean language can be helpful but is not required.
Department of Asian & Middle Eastern Studies