Stars, Celebrity and Fandom

Module description

This course examines stars, celebrities and fandom practices, as they are found in the media and popular culture (film, television, pop music, advertising, branding, news and magazines, the Internet and society media). Stars and celebrities also arise from beyond the mediasphere, with the possibility to consider literary stars, famous artists, royalties, and personalities from the fields of politics and sports. Academic approaches to fan cultures also critically engage with subcultural groups and participatory practices.

It examines the complex histories of stardom, celebrity culture and fandom, and critically examines the application of existing theories developed in Europe and North America in transnational and national contexts beyond the global North. Thus, through case studies, this module locates the study of stars, celebrity and fandom in distinct industrial, social and cultural contexts, and bases the debates firmly in concrete, modern and contemporary examples.

The module will introduce students to methodological approaches used in studying these famous individuals in relation to media industries and popular culture. Each week will consist of lectures and seminars. The assessment is through a dossier that examines students’ understanding of and their ability to research and critically analyze the key debates in the subject area.

The assignment encourages the research skills, which will be transferable to subsequent years of the BA programme and in the contemporary workplace.

Assessment details

Dossier of star, celebrity or fandom case studies (2000 words)

Educational aims & objectives

This module aims to: 

• Develop critical perspectives on the impacts of stars, celebrities and fans as part of media production and popular cultures

• Explore relevant theoretical frameworks (from star and celebrity studies, and fan studies) that allow students to develop a critical and analytical approach to thinking about these prominent figures in contemporary societies and fan practices

• Inform students of emerging debates, with reference to gender, ethnicity, age and nationality, that can be applied to specific case studies

• Critically engage with key social, political, industrial and economic significance of the practices of stardom, celebrity culture and fandom

• Strengthen research, written and verbal communication experiences as transferable skills necessary in the contemporary workplace

Learning outcomes

This module aims to: 

• Develop critical perspectives on the impacts of stars, celebrities and fans as part of media production and popular cultures

• Explore relevant theoretical frameworks (from star and celebrity studies, and fan studies) that allow students to develop a critical and analytical approach to thinking about these prominent figures in contemporary societies and fan practices

• Inform students of emerging debates, with reference to gender, ethnicity, age and nationality, that can be applied to specific case studies

• Critically engage with key social, political, industrial and economic significance of the practices of stardom, celebrity culture and fandom

• Strengthen research, written and verbal communication experiences as transferable skills necessary in the contemporary workplace

Module description disclaimer

King’s College London reviews the modules offered on a regular basis to provide up-to-date, innovative and relevant programmes of study. Therefore, modules offered may change. We suggest you keep an eye on the course finder on our website for updates.

Please note that modules with a practical component will be capped due to educational requirements, which may mean that we cannot guarantee a place to all students who elect to study this module.

Please note that the module descriptions above are related to the current academic year and are subject to change.