Pop University

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Hello, students! We hope you enjoyed your extremely prolonged winter break. But it’s spring semester, and you should know what that means.

In today’s extended lecture, we cover the television phenomenon that was, and is, America’s Next Top Model. Our focus is on its defining cycles (1-7). We spend extra time on the undefinable Ms. Tyra Banks, and the epic Ms. Janice Dickinson. We spend very little time on noted fashion photographer, Nigel Barker.

Pull out your notebooks. Get ready to cheat on your boyfriends on national television. Remember: we were all rooting for you. Find your reading list here.

 

TW: This episode involves discussions involving eating disorders.

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. 

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!

 

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.

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