Exploring the Impact of Popular Culture on World History AP Classes

Introduction

World History AP classes have been designed to teach students about the history of the world and how it has shaped our modern-day society. These classes cover a wide range of topics from ancient civilizations to modern-day conflicts. However, over the years, it has become evident that popular culture has played a significant role in shaping world history, which in turn has impacted the content and teaching method of these classes. In this blog post, we will explore the impact of popular culture on world history AP classes.

Body

Popular Culture as a Historical Record

Pop culture has become a source of historical record. Television shows, movies, music, and literature are now used to understand and interpret past events. For instance, the popular television show ‘Mad Men’ offers insight into the cultural norms and values of the 1960s, while The Beatles’ music reflects the social and political movements that defined the 1960s. Incorporating such examples into world history AP classes has helped students understand the significance of popular culture in providing a record of various historical events and periods.

Popular Culture as a Teaching Tool

Popular culture has also emerged as a learning tool in world history AP classes. It has helped students relate to and understand historical events and figures by placing them in a modern context. For instance, the movie ‘Selma’ provides students with a better understanding of the civil rights movement by depicting the events from the perspectives of the people who were involved in them. Similarly, the musical ‘Hamilton’ offers a unique perspective on the founding fathers, making them more relatable and engaging for students.

Popular Culture as a Political Tool

Pop culture has become an active player in global politics and diplomatic efforts. For instance, Korean pop music, K-pop, has given South Korea a soft power diplomacy edge by promoting the country’s culture and values worldwide. This phenomenon has led to courses being taught in universities that teach Korean culture and language. Similarly, the political satire ‘The Daily Show’ has become a source of political discussion, often offering insights and critiques that traditional news fails to provide.

Conclusion

Popular culture has served as an essential tool in shaping world history AP classes. It has helped students understand and relate to historical contexts, and it has provided a unique lens through which to understand historical events. Pop culture has also become an active player in global politics and diplomacy, providing new avenues for cultural exchange. It is crucial for educators to incorporate popular culture into their curriculum to provide a well-rounded perspective on world history.