The term “cultural icon” is used to identify a celebrity, a literary work or phrase, a musical composition or melody, an artwork, or other object of popular appeal and recognition. Each of these “icons” has been created within and through a complex web of visual and textual relations.
In this seminar we will explore the intermedial constructs that combine to create cultural icons in specific cultures and at certain historical junctures. We will analyze the ways in which meanings are perpetuated or transformed through time, engaging in questions such as: What defines a cultural icon? How are cultural icons created? What do individual cultural icons communicate to various audiences?
We will begin with a short introduction to semiotic theory
to deepen our understanding of the terms “icon” and “iconicity”. We will then
probe the early Christian meaning and use of icons. From there we turn to the
pop icons of Andy Warhol and other artists of the 1960s and 70s. We will devote
the next part of the seminar to the study of particular cultural icons such as
the Eiffel Tower, Nelson Mandela, the Little Mermaid, and Mona Lisa. In
addition, each student will research a cultural icon of their choice and
present their findings to the class in the latter part of the semester.
Course readings will be provided by the instructor.
- Kursleiter/in: Stephanie Glaser