Last Popular Culture & Politics Class: I am a Pole and So Can You

Well the semester is FINALLY over and I'm happy to report that we had A LOT of fun in my new seminar, Popular Culture & Politics. While the 2012 election didn't provide quite as much entertainment as the 2008 Sarah Palin fest, we spent some quality time talking about SNL's new Barack Obama (Jay Pharoah), Mitt Romney style, and Stephen Colbert's Super PAC - Americans for a Better Tomorrow, Tomorrow.

We tried to keep up with the various viral videos and comedy appearances that popped up during the election cycle. Here are some highlights:

Lena Dunham's First Time:



This one's not political but it did help us talk about Saturday Night Live:



Barack Obama's appearance on The Daily Show:

The Daily Show with Jon StewartMon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Barack Obama Pt. 1
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full EpisodesPolitical Humor & Satire BlogThe Daily Show on Facebook


And last but not least, here's some more Lena Dunham:

"You Don't Own Me" PSA from You Don't Own Me on Vimeo.





We concluded class with the reading of Stephen Colbert's I Am A Pole and So Can You, his childrens' book endorsed by the late, great Maurice Sendak.



As someone who follows political polls, I enjoyed the page about becoming a Gallup poll but I'll admit that my students found the option of a stripper poll a bit more amusing.

We also took a look at Stephen Colbert's interviews with Maurice Sendak that originally aired on the program back in January of 2012. Here's our favorite clip:

The Colbert ReportMon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Grim Colberty Tales with Maurice Sendak Pt. 2
www.colbertnation.com
Colbert Report Full EpisodesPolitical Humor & Satire BlogVideo Archive


I'll be back in the classroom in late January after a much deserved break. Stay tuned for more from Popular Culture & Politics ....

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