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 Knowledge of mathematics, natural sciences, basic engineering, computer-based computation, and topics specific to the relevant engineering discipline.
2. P02 Ability to apply knowledge of mathematics, natural sciences, basic engineering, computer-based computation, and topics specific to the relevant engineering discipline to the solution of complex engineering problems.
3. P03 Ability to define complex engineering problems by using knowledge of basic sciences, mathematics, and engineering, while considering the relevant United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) related to the problem addressed.
4. P04 Ability to formulate complex engineering problems using knowledge of basic sciences, mathematics, and engineering, while considering the relevant United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) associated with the problem addressed.
5. P05 Ability to analyse and solve complex engineering problems using knowledge of basic sciences, mathematics, and engineering, while considering the relevant United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) associated with the problem addressed.
6. P06 Ability to design creative solutions to complex engineering problems.
7. P07 Ability to design complex systems, processes, devices, or products in a way that meets present and future needs while considering realistic constraints and conditions.
8. P08 Ability to select and use appropriate techniques and resources—including estimation and modelling—for the analysis and solution of complex engineering problems, while being aware of their limitations.
9. P09 Ability to select and use modern engineering and computational tools—including estimation and modelling—for the analysis and solution of complex engineering problems, while being aware of their limitations.
10. P10 Ability to conduct literature research and use appropriate research methods for the investigation of complex engineering problems.
11. P11 Ability to design experiments for the investigation of complex engineering problems.
12. P12 Ability to conduct experiments, collect data, analyse results, and interpret findings for the investigation of complex engineering problems.
13. P13 Knowledge of the impacts of engineering practices on society, health and safety, the economy, sustainability, and the environment within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
14. P14 Awareness of the legal implications of engineering solutions within the framework of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
15. P15 Knowledge of ethical responsibility and adherence to the principles of professional engineering conduct.
16. P16 Awareness of acting impartially without discrimination in any matter and of being inclusive of diversity.
17. P17 Ability to work effectively as an individual.
18. P18 Ability to work effectively as a team member or leader in intra-disciplinary teams (face-to-face, remote, or hybrid).
19. P19 Ability to work effectively as a team member or leader in multidisciplinary teams (face-to-face, remote, or hybrid).
20. P20 Ability to communicate effectively in spoken form on technical matters, taking into account the diverse characteristics of the target audience (such as education, language, and profession).
21. P21 Ability to communicate effectively in written form on technical matters, taking into account the diverse characteristics of the target audience (such as education, language, and profession).
22. P22 Knowledge of professional practices such as project management and economic feasibility analysis.
23. P23 Awareness of entrepreneurship and innovation.
24. P24 Ability for independent and lifelong learning.
25. P25 Ability to adapt to new and emerging technologies.
26. P26 Lifelong learning ability that includes the capacity to think critically about technological changes.

Po-Lo Matrix