Sample Syllabus
The Sample Syllabus is not term-specific but contains much of the same information transferred from term to term. If you would like the current term syllabus, simply message me.
PHI160 Philosophy in Pop Culture
Professor Kelly Perez
Note: This course assumes no prior knowledge of ethics or philosophical studies, making it suitable for students from various academic backgrounds interested in exploring the ethical dimensions of pop culture.
PHI160 Philosophy in Pop Culture engages students in recognizing and examining major philosophical themes, such as Value, Morality, Evil, Friendship, Beauty, God, Reality, and The Meaning Of Life. Students apply these themes to examine how they are represented in several sources of popular culture, including literature, film, art, music, media, and stage. The course is designed to be fully online with no in-person scheduling.
Students will have eight weeks of discussion broken up into multiple sections:
What is Pop Culture?
History, Definition, & Sources of Culture
Values and Beauty in Pop Culture.
Ethics, Beauty, & Normalcy
Good and Evil
Representations of Good and Evil & Living in a World of Both
Friendship, Love, and the Aftermath
Representations of Friendship and Love & What’s Love Got to Do with It?
Interpretations of God
Fate, Destiny, and God’s Hand, Nihilism, & God’s Point of View
Making Sense of Reality
Nature of the Reality & Time Travel and Wormholes
Meaning of Life
Representations of the Meaning of Life, Is There Meaning, and Who Decides? & Virtues of Realism vs. Escapism
We will have three complimentary source materials:
An Introduction to Popular Culture in the US: People, Politics, and Power
Introduction to Philosophy
Ethics Goes to the Movies
Media (but not limited to)
Back to the Future (1985). This is a time-travel adventure that became a cultural phenomenon and spawned sequels.
The Matrix (1999) is a groundbreaking sci-fi film introducing new concepts of reality and technology.
Black Panther (2018) is A milestone in superhero films, notable for its cultural significance and representation.
The Simpsons (1989-present) is an animated series that satirizes American culture and politics, influencing countless other shows.
Game of Thrones (2011-2019): A fantasy epic that gained massive popularity and influenced TV storytelling and production.
Psycho (1960) is Alfred Hitchcock's classic thriller that sets new standards for horror and suspense in cinema.
I Love Lucy (1951-1957) was a pioneering sitcom that featured the iconic Lucille Ball and set the stage for future comedies.
Breaking Bad (2008-2013) A critically acclaimed drama about a chemistry teacher turned meth manufacturer that redefined television storytelling.