Tag: pop culture

Comparative Socialite Studies: The Olsen Twins’ Aloof Manifesto

by popuniversityblog

Summer classes are now in session. You’ve fallen behind on your Socialite Studies coursework, but do not worry: we have the Olsen Twins ready for extra credit.

In today’s lecture, we cover Mary-Kate’s and Ashley’s evolutions from “recent fetuses” to fashion elites. We tackle subjects light and dark, and challenge you to consider: what is the perfect t-shirt? Is it something that is attainable, in a material sense? Or is it really untenable, like an infinite regress?

There is also Billboard Dad, Holiday in the Sun, and Full House.

Find your reading list here.

*Please note that this is your professors’ first attempt a bi-coastal recording, and there is some sound interference throughout the episode. We are tenured. We will fix this.

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TV Standards 2202: Shondaland

by popuniversityblog

In today’s lecture, we discuss the reigning Queen of Television, Shonda Rhimes. We examine her childhood, badass moves, and insane character and plot choices on her many iconic series.

We also take an extended look as to why Derek Shepherd is the worst.

Find your reading list here.

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Encyclopedia Britannicney: It’s Britney, Bitch – Part Two

by popuniversityblog

STUDENTS! We’re back with Part Two of Encyclopedia Britannicney’s “It’s Britney, Bitch” edition, covering the BLACKOUT era of Britney’s career. Once again, we are joined by special guest professor Jordan Miller of BreatheHeavy.com, and visiting professor Sal.

As in last lecture, you can find a full timeline of this era here (we know it gets complex), and your Part Two reading list is available here.

**Please excuse sound wonkiness at the end, as well as professor Maddie saying “exactly” 1,000,000,000 times.

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Encyclopedia Britannicney: It’s Britney, Bitch – Part One

by popuniversityblog

Attention, students! It’s not often we have a Nobel Laureate* in our midst!

In today’s ultimate edition of Encyclopedia Britannicney, “It’s Britney, Bitch,”, the professors sit down with Jordan Miller to discuss the era surrounding Blackout. Jordan founded Britney’s largest fan site, BreatheHeavy.com, when he was 15 years old. BreatheHeavy.com ushered many young stans (your professors included) through the most tumultuous period in modern pop culture history.

We spend time talking to Jordan about the formation and growth of BreatheHeavy.com, all while he was still a teenager. We ask him about the times he has been in Godney’s presence, and die.

We then launch into 2006 and 2007. We cover Britney and Kevin’s divorce, and Britney’s unraveling thereafter. We address the absolute paparazzi frenzy that ensued in this period, including coverage of her infamous night club appearances with Paris and Lindsay, as well as the unparalleled paparazzi moment of the decade: when Britney shaved her head.

Part Two of “It’s Britney, Bitch” will be posted soon. To see a full timeline of this period, go here. And to read your sources, find your bibliography here.

*Jordan Miller is not a Nobel Laureate… yet.

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Encyclopedia Britannicney: It’s Getting Chaotic

by popuniversityblog

Hello students! As you are undoubtedly aware, Encyclopedia Britannicney takes a full year to cover. Your second semester will be more challenging than the first. Take notes as we celebrate the complex life of our president this President’s Day: Ms. Britney Jean Spears.

In “It’s Getting Chaotic,” we cover the end of Britney’s Onyx Hotel Tour, the introduction of K-Fed/ PopoZão, their marriage and divorce, and the birth of their two precious boys, Sean Preston and Jayden.

For more on this era, we encourage students to listen (or re-listen) to Pop U’s first episode, “Rogue Britney: A Popstar Story.” In that episode, we cover Britney’s lost album, Original Doll.

Be sure to listen closely to both before we launch into our biggest edition yet: “It’s Britney, Bitch,” which features a VERY special visiting professor.

You can find your reading list here.

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Encyclopedia Britannicney: It’s Dangerous, She’s Falling – Part Two

by popuniversityblog

The professors are back with Part Two of the “It’s Dangerous, She’s Falling” edition of Encyclopedia Britannicney. In this episode, they delve in to the acoustically-delicious In the Zone album, as well as the affiliated shenanigans surrounding its release and supporting tour.

Focuses include why Moby is canceled, how Rihanna’s navy stacks up against Britney’s army, Vegas weddings, and the significance of the 2004 Britknee injury.

Please find your reading list here.

PS- 2018 has brought us many gifts, including upgraded recording equipment and more episodes. Next on the roster: an in-depth look at Tyra Banks and America’s Next Top Model. 

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Encyclopedia Britannicney: It’s Dangerous, She’s Falling – Part One

by popuniversityblog

In the “It’s Dangerous, She’s Falling” edition of Encyclopedia Britannicney, we cover the massively consequential In-the-Zone-Madonna-kiss-Onyx-Hotel-shotgun-wedding-Unholy-K-Federation era. In Part One, we focus our studies on Britney’s life and promo leading up to the release of the rapturous In the Zone.

Topics of discussion include Fred Durst’s undying love for Britney, NYLA, the supremely harsh Diane Sawyer interview, and why you shouldn’t pitch a wholesome southern girl a single titled, “Pop Culture Whore.”

Your professors are joined by visiting lecturer, Adam Parker. Please find your reading list attached, and come prepared for your next session!

 

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Encyclopedia Britannicney: Get Nasty, Part Two

by popuniversityblog

In Part Two of the “Get Nasty” edition of Encyclopedia Britannicney, we cover Britney’s self-titled album (the one that’s not Britney Jean), the Dream Within A Dream Tour, Crossroads, and Justney’s demise. Special guest professor Vince Rossi joins us. Also, justice for Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey.

You can find your reading list here.

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Halloween Special: Haunted Spookywood

by popuniversityblog

In today’s lecture, the professors discuss celebrity ghosts and their favorite haunts. They also investigate the recent surge of crystal-related activity in Hollywood, Hannah’s feud with Food God, and how they were not …Ready for It (because it’s dumb).

Please be warned, this episode does include graphic descriptions of murders in addition to normal pop ramblings.

You can find your reading list here: Spookywood Reading List

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Encyclopedia Britannicney: A Star Is Born, Part Two

by popuniversityblog

In Part Two of “A Star Is Born,” we focus on Britney’s rise to superstardom, as well as her apparent clairvoyant skills, the many obnoxious interviews she was forced to sit through, and the fact that Beyoncé once opened for her (yes, that Beyoncé).

Please find your reading list for here.

PS- Pop U is happy to announce our first interactive event: The Justice For Blackout Pro-Britney March. It will be held on October 25 at the Hollywood Walk of Fame. For more details, see our event on Facebook.

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Encyclopedia Britannicney: A Star Is Born, Part One

by popuniversityblog

In 1999 and 2000, Britney Spears went from being a little-known cootie patootie to the most influential pop star in the world. Her rise was rapid, and her promotional opps were plentiful. In today’s edition of Encyclopedia Britannicney, professors Hannah and Maddie are joined by visiting lecturer Marcus, who has seen Britney 40 – we repeat, 40 – times in concert.

Part One of A Star Is Born focuses on the Baby One More Time album and affiliated tour. Find your reading list here: Reading List

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Conspiracy Theories 1101: Kontrolling the Kardashians

by popuniversityblog

Professors Hannah and Maddie examine the rise and perpetuation of the Kardashian Klan’s fame. Does their celebrity stem from a government plot? Could it be a purposed, extended Illuminati konspiracy? Or, is Kris Jenner truly the best hustler of all time? We weigh competing theses, and discuss Ray J’s thirst, copycat stardom, and why MKUltra needs to just quit it with the brainwashing.

Your reading list is here. Please note, many conspiracy theory sites are sketchy. Research at your own risk.

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Encyclopedia Britannicney: Pre-Fame, Part Two

by popuniversityblog

When class last left off, we were discussing Britney’s past with the girl band Innosense. In today’s lecture, we will continue to examine Britney’s early years, and will focus on her first single, tour, and album. Really: when. will. your. faves.

We are again joined by guest lecturer Sal, and have a VERY special introduction from a VERY special guest.

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Encyclopedia Britannicney: Pre-Fame, Part One

by popuniversityblog

On December 2, 1981, Godney was born in McComb, Mississippi. In addition to singing, dancing, and eating crawfish, little Britney Jean Spears was forging her path to the highest reaches of fame. With special visiting Professor Sal, Professors Lazer and Rowston explore Britney’s early years. This is part one of a two-part episode, and a never-ending series (#dealwithit, Falkor).

Your reading list is located here: Reading List

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Britmergency: JUSTNEY, PART TWO

by popuniversityblog

We’re breaking some news from Timbaland himself regarding our favorite former pop couple – Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake. This episode is presented in unofficial partnership with Unsolved Mysteries. #justney

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