Barthes brings in new elements to structuralism beyond Saussure’s theories of language. What key insights do you find relevant to a broader study of popular culture? Ray takes a structuralist approach to It’s a Wonderful Life – do you think that this approach is effective in exploring its social function and meanings?

Today’s readings outline the theoretical traditions of semiotics and structuralism as an important facet of cultural studies.  What insights about the ways meaning is created within cultural practices do you think semiotics and structuralism points toward? How does Wright’s account of Westerns point toward useful ways of looking at specific cases of popular media, and how might you apply it to My Darling Clementine?

The Culturalist perspective attempts to offer another way to view the politics of popular culture from the Culture & Civilization tradition.  What arguments and developments do you find most interesting and important from the new approach? How do you see Levine’s account of Shakespeare fitting into the Culturalist perspective? And are there any insights from these readings that speak to My Darling Clementine?

Remember, please respond by 6 am on Thursday, and read previous comments to engage conversation – feel free to come back to respond after you post as well:

Storey outlines the “culture and civilization” tradition that dismisses and condemns popular culture, exemplified by Arnold, Leavis, and Macdonald.  What elements of their arguments do you find compelling (if any)?  What is the proper role of a “minority elite” in regarding majority popular culture?  How might you apply some of these arguments to High Fidelity?