- Level Foundation
- Duration 16 hours
- Course by University of Colorado Boulder
-
Offered by
About
"Fandom, Social Media, and Authenticity in the Digital Age" focuses your attention on the interconnected dynamics of identity, representation, interpretation, and self-reflection. It asks the question: how, where, and with whom do we inhabit the worlds of fandom and popular culture in the digital age? We will explore the role of digital media in the production of celebrity and fandom, using social media tools and platforms as a running case study. More broadly, the course is about what media studies scholar Henry Jenkins has called “participatory culture,” the processes by which bring our selves into digital spaces, establish trust and authenticity (or challenge these concepts), and negotiate identity in and amongst others. Along the way, you will develop skills in critical self-reflection and communication, as well as analysis and interpretation. You’ll audit your own social media usage, and put this learning in context with major social media presences of our era. Course-Level Learning Outcomes * Define and describe the relationship between fandom, popular culture, and digital media as each impact our identity and interactions with others * Apply critical self-reflection and close reading frameworks through personal and professional writing and online publication * Engage with pop culture and fandom communities by leveraging online platforms to make connections and synthesize learning * Reflect on your personal relationship to social media, identity, representation, and social interaction online Course 1 Skills: * Personal Development * Analysis * Digital Literacy * Writing * Social Media * Close ReadingModules
Specialization Overview
2
Videos
- Overview and Introduction
- Instructor Introduction
3
Readings
- Fandom and Pop Culture in the Digital Age Specialization Flow
- How to Learn, and Learn Well, Online
- Setting Your Goals and Expectations
Course Introduction
1
Videos
- Fandom, Social Media, and Authenticity in the Digital Age
The Fandom Framework
1
Discussions
- Introduce Yourself and Share Your Fandom!
1
Videos
- Fandom, Pop Culture, and Digital Media in Context
2
Readings
- The Fandom, Popular Culture, and Digital Media Framework
- A Fandom Glossary
Curated Readings and Resources
2
Readings
- Choose Your Own Adventure...
- Optional Additional Readings
Definitions of fandom, pop culture, and digital media
1
Assignment
- Definitions of Fandom, Pop Culture, and Digital Media
2
Readings
- Fandom Immersion Blog Project Description
- Download the Fandom Framework Quick Reference
Social Media and Participatory Culture
2
Videos
- Social Media, Representation, and Participatory Culture
- Interview with Dr. Casey Fiesler Pt. 1: Fandom, Identity, and Social Media
3
Readings
- Participatory Culture and the Study of Fandom in the Digital Age
- Kim Kardashian, Selfish, and Social Media Celebrity
- Kim Kardashian and Reception in the Social Media Era
Curated Readings and Resources
2
Readings
- Choose Your Own Adventure...
- Optional Additional Readings
Self-Reflection and Awareness Framework
1
Discussions
- Self-Reflection Activity: Social Media Audit
1
Readings
- Self-Reflection and Awareness Framework
Definitions in the self-reflection framework
1
Assignment
- Definitions in the Self-Reflection Framework
A model for pop culture analysis
2
Videos
- Experience, Ideology, and Pop Culture Interpretation
- Interview with Dr. Casey Fiesler Pt 2: Next Steps for Fandom and Social Media
2
Readings
- Roxane Gay's Model of Cultural Analysis
- Fandom Framework in Action: Transmedia Adaptation
Curated Readings and Resources
2
Readings
- Choose Your Own Adventure...
- Optional Additional Readings
Close Reading and Analysis Framework
1
Discussions
- Close Reading and Analysis Discussion
1
Readings
- Close Reading and Analysis Framework
Definitions in the close reading framework, and project preparation
1
Assignment
- Definitions in the Close Reading and Analysis Framework
1
Readings
- Preparing Your Project Submission
Social Media, Identity, and Social Control
3
Videos
- The Dark Side of Social Media
- Interview with Dr. Casey Fiesler, Pt 3: Online Fandom and the Stakes of Internet Research
- Interview with Dr. Casey Fiesler Pt 4: Some Advice
3
Readings
- Black Mirror, "Nosedive," and the Dark Side of Social Media
- Does Digital Media Change Our Behavior?
- Digital Platforms Spotlight: Instagram, OnlyFans, and TikTok
Curated Readings and Resources
2
Readings
- Choose Your Own Adventure...
- Optional Additional Readings
Course Content Review and Projects
1
Assignment
- Course Content Review
1
Peer Review
- Fandom Immersion Blog Project
Course Conclusion and Applying Your Skills
1
Discussions
- Applying Your Skills
1
Videos
- Conclusion: Fandom, Social Media, and Authenticity
Auto Summary
"Fandom, Social Media, and Authenticity in the Digital Age" delves into identity, representation, and self-reflection in digital spaces. Led by Coursera, this foundational course explores the role of social media in celebrity and fandom, encouraging critical self-reflection and analysis. Learners will audit their social media usage and engage with pop culture communities. Lasting approximately 960 minutes, subscription options include Starter and Professional, catering to those interested in personal development and digital literacy.

Christopher Haynes