CHUM332

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CHUM332

Mass-Producing Culture: Theory and Analysis CHUM332 SP

Crosslistings: ANTH332, WMST333, AMST332

Not Currently Offered

This 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-22-1999

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