Create an Object Assignment

Not only are we consumers of popular culture, but also creators of said culture. Theory can be used to inform the creation of objects or be used to inform the reading of an object--in fact it is used to do both.

You will be creating an object of popular culture for this assignment. You can choose something you are interested in or experiment with something new. Some ideas to help you are below. Please talk to Chris or I if you have an idea that you are unsure of, or need some help brainstorming. Time will be spent in mentor session discussing this assignment.

Requirements: Your creation will be informed by the readings we have been doing for class, and by the book Introducing Postmodernism. You can use techniques from our readings to complete this assignment such as pastiche, montage, metonymy, advertising techniques, the creation of a simulacra or simulation, a parody, an homage, film techniques, or any other aspect found in our readings. Or, you will create an object with the intention of it being read through the theories we have been learning about in class.

Remember: Our readings and discussions will either inform the creation of your object, or they will inform the reading of your object.

Grading: You will be graded on effort and reflection. It will be apparent in your object how much time and effort were spent. There are two parts to the Create an Object assignment. In addition to the object you create, you will write a 3-4 page reflection (MLA format) on how your object relates to our readings and/or the culture that surrounds us. Make sure to mention your object in your reflection and how our readings and/or discussion informed its creation or can inform the reading of your object.

Possible Ideas

• Create an ad campaign

Using a fictional product of your creation, design 2 or 3 ads for your product and describe who your audience is and where you would place the ads. You could create an entire media blitz describing what the commercial spots would look like and what show they would air on, the billboards and where they would be placed, and other media outlets.

• Digital art

Using digital image manipulation, create a work of art. Remember that you will also be reflecting on how your creation can be viewed through the theories we are learning.

• Paint/Sculpture

Using more traditional mediums, create a work of art. Remember that you will also be reflecting on how your creation can be viewed through the theories we are learning.

• Music

Create. Mix. DJ. Make a recording. Remember that you will also be reflecting on how your creation can be viewed through the theories we are learning.

• A web site

Create a fan site for your favorite thing in popular culture.

Create a web site in opposition to something you dislike in popular culture.

• A parody

Create a parody of an advertisement.

Write a parody of a popular narrative, or story.

Describe what a parody film would look like of an existing film.

• Film

Make a short. Remember that you will also be reflecting on how your creation can be viewed through the theories we are learning.

• Culture Jam

Subvert meaning, counter an ad campaign, parody a corporation or organization. Stay legal! The magazine "Adbusters" has great examples of culture jamming.

• A collage

Using the artifacts that surround you, create a collage of images with a common theme. Remember that you will also be reflecting on how your creation can be viewed through the theories we are learning.

• Other Ideas

There are as many ideas and angles for this assignment as there are people in class. If you have a question or idea you are unsure of, come see us and we can talk about it and how our theory might inform it.

Present an Object Assignment

You will present your created object to the class explaining how it relates to the things we have been learning in class. You will be given no more than 5 or 6 minutes to show your object, explain your object to the class and how it relates to the theory (your reflection), and answer questions, if any, from the class. A sign up sheet with time slots will be passed around later in the term so that you can sign up for a time to present.