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 Adequate knowledge in mathematics, science and engineering subjects pertaining to the relevant discipline; ability to use theoretical and applied knowledge in these areas in complex engineering problems.
2. P02 Ability to identify, formulate, and solve complex engineering problems; ability to select and apply proper analysis and modelling methods for this purpose.
3. P03 Ability to design a complex system, process, device or product under realistic constraints and conditions, in such a way as to meet the desired result; ability to apply modern design methods for this purpose.
4. P04 Ability to devise, select, and use modern techniques and tools needed for analysing and solving complex problems encountered in engineering practice; ability to employ information technologies effectively
5. P05 Ability to design and conduct experiments, gather data, analyse and interpret results for investigating complex engineering problems or discipline specific research questions
6. P06 Ability to work efficiently in intra-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary teams; ability to work individually.
7. P07 Ability to communicate effectively in Turkish, both orally and in writing; knowledge of a minimum of one foreign language; ability to write effective reports and comprehend written reports, prepare design and production reports, make effective presentations, and give and receive clear and intelligible instructions.
8. P08 Recognition of the need for lifelong learning ; ability to access information, to follow developments in science and technology, and to continue to educate him/herself
9. P09 Consciousness to behave according to ethical principles and professional and ethical responsibility; knowledge on standards used in engineering practice.
10. P10 Knowledge about business life practices such as project management, risk management, and change management; awareness in entrepreneurship, innovation; knowledge about sustainable development.
11. P11 Knowledge about the global and social effects of engineering practices on health, environment, and safety, and contemporary issues of the century reflected into the field of engineering; awareness of the legal consequences of engineering solutions.

Po-Lo Matrix