SOCI0318A-S26
Theories of Celebrity
Theories of Celebrity
In this course we will explore the cultural significance of the concept "celebrity" from a variety of theoretical perspectives. We will draw from a range of examples, including the history of Hollywood, the branding of sport stars, the rise of reality television, YouTube fame, and celebrity gossip, to examine the structures of power and inequality the celebrity phenomenon and its commodification embody. We will use theoretical concepts such as hegemony, the spectacle, mechanical reproduction, the panopticon, hyperreality, microcelebrity, postmodernity, and neoliberalism to analyze the extraordinary rise of a visual culture based on the production and consumption of celebrity. (SOCI 0101 or SOCI 0105 or SOCI 0288) 3 hrs. sem.
In this course we will explore the cultural significance of the concept "celebrity" from a variety of theoretical perspectives. We will draw from a range of examples, including the history of Hollywood, the branding of sport stars, the rise of reality television, YouTube fame, and celebrity gossip, to examine the structures of power and inequality the celebrity phenomenon and its commodification embody. We will use theoretical concepts such as hegemony, the spectacle, mechanical reproduction, the panopticon, hyperreality, microcelebrity, postmodernity, and neoliberalism to analyze the extraordinary rise of a visual culture based on the production and consumption of celebrity. (SOCI 0101 or SOCI 0105 or SOCI 0288) 3 hrs. sem.
- Term:
- Spring 2026
- Location:
- Munroe Hall 409 MNR 409
- Schedule:
- 11:15am-12:30pm on Monday, Wednesday (Feb 9, 2026 to May 11, 2026)
- Type:
- Seminar
- Course Modality:
- In-Person
- Instructors:
- Rebecca Tiger
- Subject:
- Sociology
- Department:
- Sociology
- Division:
- Social Sciences
- Requirements Fulfilled:
- AMR, SOC
- Levels:
- Undergraduate
- Availability:
- View availability, prerequisites, and other requirements.
- Course Reference Number (CRN):
- 22637
- Subject Code:
- SOCI
- Course Number:
- 0318
- Section Identifier:
- A