INTRODUCTION TO CULTURAL STUDIES

Course Description

This course introduces students to the principle analytical techniques and interpretive strategies are used in the field of cultural studies. Designed for the students at beginning of their degrees in media and communications subjects, the course places particular emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches to the study of culture and will provide a conceptual foundation for scholarly work in a variety of related areas. The course will address to the work of major figures related to Cultural Studies, including Michel Foucault, Stuart Hall and Edward Said, and will consider topics related to their work, such as the representational work of the media, the interpretative role of the audience, and the relationship between culture and power.

INTRODUCTION TO CULTURAL STUDIES

Evaluation Tools (Active Term)

No evaluation items have been defined.

Course outcomes

1. 01 Define (2) cultural studies and explain (3) the interdisciplinary nature of field.
2. 02 Define (2) basic concepts of Cultural Studies such as, power, identity, ideology and representation.
3. 03 Assess (5) the constructed nature of identities, such as gender and nation.
4. 04 Define (2) the notion of stereotyping and identify (2) stereotypical representations in media and popular culture.

Course Syllabus

Reference Books & Course Materials

1. 01 Barker, C. (2012). Cultural Studies: Theory and Practice. (4th edition). Sage: London.
2. 02 Sardar, Z. and B. Van Loon, (2013). Introducing Cultural Studies: A Graphic Guide, Icon: London.
3. 03 Storey, J. (2016). Cultural Theory and Popular Culture. Routledge: London.
4. 04 Course notes on Moodle.

Learning Outcomes

1. L01 Explain (4) cultural studies and the study of popular culture as an interdisciplinary field of study. SOLO 4
2. L02 Identify (2) key terms and leading theorists of cultural studies and popular culture. SOLO 2
3. L03 Analyze a visual element of popular culture using some insights from semiotics. SOLO 4
4. L04 Describe (3) the relationship between popular culture and media. SOLO 3

Program Outcomes

1. P01 1. Gained the necessary skills to learn and adopt a spirit of continuous learning in their professional life.
2. P02 2. Developed various skills by working independently via specific learned techniques that both triggered individual efforts and encouraged collaborative work.
3. P03 3. Acquired the essential knowledge and skills to apply key theories, models and applications within the global business context.
4. P04 4. Adopted and applied critical and strategic thinking together with research capabilities for efficient and effective business decisions.
5. P05 5. Utilized and managed ethically information technologies required for contemporary business world.
6. P06 6. Been equipped with conceptual and analytical skills necessary for team work within global organizations.
7. P07 7. Displayed their learnt communication skills that are required to effectively interact in a cross cultural and diverse international work environment.
8. P08 8. Applied their acquired knowledge within the changing work environment.
9. P09 9. Developed an understanding of ethical perspectives and social responsibilities to be used at work and in personal life.

Po-Lo Matrix