Student ID:__________________________ Student Name:_______________________ Advisor Name:_______________________ Catalog: 2025-2026 Undergraduate Catalog Program: Popular Culture, B.A.
This is for planning purposes only, please check with your advisor with questions about your degree progress

Popular Culture, B.A.

A student majoring in Popular Culture studies the forms of creative expression we use in everyday life. Courses focus on the impact various aspects of popular culture (such as television, movies, rock music, popular books and magazines, sports, holidays, festivals, and folklore) have on our culture and how they reflect the values of our society. While studies of contemporary culture are an important part of the program, historical material is emphasized as well. (See also Folklore, Minor.)

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the baccalaureate degree, students in popular culture are expected to:

  • Apply critical analysis to the popular culture environment, both in the present and in its various historical manifestations, in order to discuss such matters as how popular culture shapes/reflects our personal and social experiences, how popular culture shapes/reflects diversity in a multicultural society, and how popular culture shapes/reflects American culture’s relationship to global culture(s);
  • Explain ways in which the materials of popular culture are shaped by aesthetic, social history, and cultural forces, and how the materials of popular culture influence these forces as well;
  • Describe basic theories and methodologies relevant to popular culture scholarship, and apply those theories and methodologies in research;
  • Demonstrate how diverse aesthetic systems embody the visions and values of different cultural groups;
  • Convey ideas orally and in writing.

BG Perspective (BGP) Requirements

Must complete at least 1 course in each of the following:

   English Composition and Oral Communication
   _____________________________    ________

   Quantitative Literacy
   _____________________________    ________

Must Complete at least 2 courses in each of the following:

   Humanities and the Arts
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________    

   Natural Sciences - at least one Lab Science required
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________                                                                                      

   Social and Behavioral Sciences
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________                                                                        

Complete total required BGP credit hours by selecting courses from any of the above categories:

   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________                                                                                    

University Requirements

Designated courses in Humanities and the Arts and the Social and Behavioral Sciences domains may be used to fulfill both the BGP requirement and one of the following university requirements:

Cultural Diversity in the US    ____________
International Perspective       ____________

Composition Requirement:
WRIT 1120                             

Total BGP Credits: Must be at least 36                      

Arts & Sciences Requirements (WLC)

World Languages and Cultures (_____ yrs of HS_______) 

Consult the Undergraduate Catalog or the Arts and Sciences Student Handbook regarding approved course options in the different language and culture areas. 
​   ________1010_________________    ________ 
​   ________1020_________________    ________ 
​   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________ 

Lab Science  

   _____________________________    ________ 

Multidisciplinary Component

Select from approved offerings, in consultation with an advisor and a faculty mentor. Four courses total, each with a different subject prefix. At least two courses at 3000/4000 level. Courses applied to the Arts & Sciences MDC may not be used to fulfill other Arts and Sciences degree requirements, nor may they be used to fulfill major, minor, BGP or other program requirements.   
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________ 
   _____________________________    ________  

Major Requirements

(Minor required)
Course NameTerms TakenGradeCore
POPC 1600 - Introduction to Popular Culture
POPC 3100 - Global Popular Culture
CCS 3030 - Intersections of Race, Gender, and Culture
CCS 3710 - Gender, Race & Culture in Community-Based Practice
CCS 4850 - Qualitative Research Methods
CCS 4860 - Capstone Seminar

One POPC Media Course:

Course NameTerms TakenGradeCore
POPC 2500 - Introduction to Popular Film
POPC 2700 - Introduction to Contemporary Popular Literature
POPC 2800 - Introduction to Popular Music
POPC 2900 - Television as Popular Culture
POPC 3500 - Advanced Studies in Popular Film
POPC 3700 - History of Popular Literature
POPC 3800 - Contexts of Popular Music
POPC 3900 - Topics in Television Studies
POPC 4700 - Studies in Popular Literature

One POPC Folklore Course:

Course NameTerms TakenGradeCore
POPC 2200 - Introduction to Folklore and Folklife
POPC 3200 - Folktale and Legend
POPC 3210 - Folklife and Material Culture
POPC 3250 - The Folk Group/Folk Region
POPC 4240 - Topics In Folklore Genres

Nine (9) Additional Credit Hours in POPC Courses.

POPC 1650 or POPC 1700 may be included. CCS 4890 (3 hours max) may also be included. Six (6) hours must be at the 3000/4000 level.

  • POPC
  • POPC
  • POPC

Total Hours: 33

* Note: No more than three (3) hours of POPC 4900 and POPC 3950 may be counted towards the major requirements.

** Further Note: The department cannot guarantee all courses will be offered each year.

Minor Requirements

(Usually 20 Hours)

Electives and Non-Credit Courses

For Graduation You Will Need:

  1. University minimum of 120 credit hours.
  2. Minimum GPA 2.00.
  3. At least 30 credit hours of BGSU course work.
  4. A minimum of 40 credit hours at the 3000/4000 level.
  5. Completion of all degree requirements, including the BG Perspective Core.
  6. A major, and if required, a minor, specialization or emphasis.

Any substitution or waiver of courses required for your major or minor program must originate in the department/school offering the major or minor and must be approved by the College Office.

To ensure a timely graduation, students should monitor their academic progress using degree audit.

Students must complete an online Application for Graduation via their MyBGSU Student Center based on the dates posted in the degree audit. After the application deadlines, students must complete an online application located on the College of Arts and Sciences website. Contact the College of Arts and Sciences with questions.

Notes: