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CHUM332
Mass-Producing Culture: Theory and Analysis
CHUM332 SP
Crosslistings: ANTH332, WMST333, AMST332
Section | Class Size | *Available | Times |
1 | 22 | 5 | Times: ..W.... 7:00PM-10:00PM; |
*The number of spaces listed as available is based on class seats open for
the current phase of registration. Some seats may be taken in previous
phases while others may be held out for subsequent phases of registration.
(Last Updated on Wed Mar 4 05:00:40 EST 1998
)
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
- Section 01
- Traube, E
- Times: ..W.... 7:00PM-10:00PM;
- Grading Mode: A/F
- Registration Preference (1 high to 6 low, 0=Excluded) Sr: 1, Jr: 1, So: 0, Fr: 0
- No Major Preference Given
- Permission of Instructor Required.
Last Updated on MAR-03-1998
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