American popular culture and politics have always been closely intertwined. The rise of new media, however, has brought about a merging of these powers that is more complex than ever. From celebrities’ endorsement of politicians, to TV series with a political message and musical protest – nowadays pop and politics are almost intrinsically linked.
Popular culture and politics have a broad influence on all areas of life. Actors like Angelina Jolie or Sean Penn are concerned with humanitarianism, singers like Lady Gaga have an effect on the LGBT movement, and music has always played a significant role in expressing political commentary and protest.
At SCIAS 2014, we want to focus on the intricate relationship between politics and popular culture in the 20th and 21st century. We would like to hear your thoughts and ideas on the subject!
Topics might include, but are not limited to, the following questions:
- How is the relationship between popular culture and politics constructed? How did it change over time?
- In what ways does popular culture shape, reflect, and respond to the political climate?
- Which role can film and TV play in the relationship between popular culture and politics? (The Wire, House of Cards, All the President’s Men, The War Room)
- In what ways do musicians and music engage with politics? (Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen, System of a Down)
- How do political elections and social media campaigns influence each other? (Presidential Elections)
- Why are celebrity endorsements of politicians or political campaigns vital to popular culture?
- How do video games depict the social and political climate? (Call of Duty, Mass Effect 3, Grand Theft Auto)
SCIAS 2014 of the Amerika-Institut at the University of Munich (LMU) invites Bachelor, Master and Magister students of all fields of study to present their work and discuss their opinions and research with peers.
Paper Submission Guidelines:
Please send an abstract of approximately 300 words of your proposal in English your name, email address, phone number and the name of your university
to scias@lrz.uni-muenchen.de
by July 31, 2014. Once accepted, full papers (8-10 pages) have to be submitted by August 31, 2014.
The conference will take place on October 17 – 18, 2014.
Acceptance notifications as well as further information will be provided via e-mail. We will be glad to help you arrange student-friendly accommodation during the conference. Please feel free to contact us with any questions that may arise!
We are looking forward to your submissions and to a weekend of great presentations and interesting debates!