INTRODUCTION TO CULTURAL STUDIES

 GIS 2000, AIS seminar, Honors seminar, Peace and Justice

Satisfies Diversity Requirement 3, Writing Intensive Req.

Spring 2009 Monday-Wednesday 3:00 pm - 4:15 pm, SAC 410

 

Classes

Oral Presentation

Paper

Useful  links

Conference

P Reduce-Reuse-Recycle  

Silvia Nagy-Zekmi 

Office: SAC 268 

Phone: 610-519-3069
Office hours:

M-W 4:15 - 5:15, or by appointment

 

Website

Teaching Philosophy

Picture source

Description    Objective  •   Requirements   •   Evaluation     Readings


Description

Welcome to the Cultural Studies course!

WHAT IS CULTURE? This introductory course (no previous experience with cultural studies is necessary) attempts to answer this question while examining the various definitions of culture and the production of cultural meanings and identities in the era of globalization. We'll discuss the way we live and communicate by looking at the underlying ideologies, the assumptions that regulate our thinking and behavior, and  the manner in which these assumptions are shaped, produced and communicated through print media, the various art forms, or popular culture (music, TV, films, advertisements, etc). The course will provide theoretical tools and methodologies that enable you to understand and to analyze cultural phenomena. Much of the material will be related to the Middle East, as the course also serves as the Arab and Islamic Studies seminar. Between February 16-27 we will participate in the e-learning of the Global Solidarity Network.

Objective

To develop an understanding of major issues in cultural studies, such as the formation and representation of culture, commodification of cultural production in relation to globalization, local and global cultural practices and the pertinent ideologies that shape them.

Requirements

  • Regular attendance and participation in class discussion;

    only two classes per semester may be missed without written medical justification.

  • An oral presentation of an elected article (see the list here),

  • completion of 3 analytical essays (approx. 4 pages each) to demonstrate your engagement with and comprehension of the readings.  One of these essays is based on the oral presentation and it is due the week after the presentation,

  • Active participation (reading ad posting) in the Global Solidarity Network workshop. (February 16-27)

Evaluation and Grading

Criteria of evaluation of oral presentation and papers.

Readings (mandatory)***

Readings (recommended)

***Note: Consider buying used books! (On www.amazon.com you scroll down and the link to used books will appear)

 

Last updated: 1/9/2009 by Silvia Nagy-Zekmi