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CHUM332
Mass-Producing Culture: Theory and Analysis
CHUM332 SP
Crosslistings: ANTH332, WMST333, AMST332
Spring 97 Availability (Last Updated on Thu Apr 17 05:00:17 EDT 1997
)
Section Limit Enrollment Available
01 20 0 20
Next Offered in 9798 SP
This is a seminar on contemporary cultural theory, intended
for students doing research within the general area that
has become known as cultural studies. The overarching
concern is the dynamic relationship between meaning and
power; we will approach culture in terms of that nexus,
focusing on how systems of meaning are implicated in
producing, reproducing and contesting social relations of
domination and subordination. We will not attempt to
consider culture at all time and places, but will attempt
instead to determine how cultural processes have been
transformed by the historical development of the so-called
culture industries and by the rise of modern state
apparatuses; particular attention will be given to the
dialectical relation between the mass production of culture
by elites and the production culture in everyday life.
Readings will be drawn from a variety of
theoretical traditions, including Frankfurt critical theory,
structuralism and poststructuralism, hegemony
theory, production and practice theories, feminist theory.
As much as possible, we will evaluate competing theories
by considering their application to particular problems in
cultural analysis.
MAJOR READINGS
Texts by T. Adorno, L. Althusser, W.
Benjamin, P. Bourdieu, B. Ehrenreich, A. Goodwin, S. Hall,
D. Hebdige, M. Horkheimer, R. Ohmann, E. Traube,
R. Williams, P. Willis and others.
EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS
Group presentations on
collective projects; an individual research project designed
in consultation with the instructor(s) and resulting in a
final 20 page paper.
ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS
Readings will be
difficult and heavy at times. Only those who enjoy reading
theoretical texts should consider this course. Regular
attendance is required.
Prerequisite: at least one previous course dealing with
cultural theory.
Admission: Permission of Instructor, by interview. Contact
E. Traube (Center for the Humanities) to arrange an
interview.
Unless preregistered students attend the first class meeting
or communicate directly with the instructor prior to the
first class, they will be dropped from the class list.
NOTE: Students must still submit a completed Drop/Add form
to the Registrar's Office.
COURSE FORMAT: Seminar
REGISTRATION INFORMATION
Level: UG Credit: 1.00
Gen Ed Area & Dept: SBS ANTH
Prerequisites:
None
Last Updated on MAR-10-1997
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Copyright Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, 06459