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 Integrate knowledge of interior architecture principles, spatial organization, and visual perception to develop user-centered, functional, aesthetically enriching, and innovative spatial solutions.
2. P02 Analyze and evaluate the relationships among user needs, functional constraints, ergonomics, accessibility, and universal design principles to develop interior architecture solutions across different design scales and contexts.
3. P03 Research, analyze, and relate historical, cultural, and theoretical knowledge to justify design decisions that respect local values while responding to global cultural diversity.
4. P04 Communicate design ideas effectively by integrating visual communication tools, manual and digital representation techniques, and appropriate digital technologies, including artificial intelligence-assisted visualization methods, where appropriate.
5. P05 Evaluate and synthesize appropriate materials, color schemes, lighting, and furniture systems using up-to-date technologies and aesthetic principles to shape experiential atmospheres.
6. P06 Integrate environmental responsibility, occupant health, and ethical principles to develop sustainable, safe, and healthy interior architecture solutions and justify design decisions.
7. P07 Collaborate and coordinate with professionals from architecture, landscape architecture, engineering, and related disciplines by integrating multidisciplinary knowledge to develop comprehensive spatial solutions.
8. P08 Critically evaluate research, contemporary approaches, and artificial intelligence-assisted design and research methods to generate innovative knowledge and design solutions while sustaining lifelong learning and professional development.
9. P09 Justify professional decisions by integrating ethical principles, cultural, societal, and aesthetic responsibilities with the responsible, legal, and ethical use of digital technologies, including artificial intelligence.
10. P10 Plan, manage, and evaluate interior architecture projects by integrating technical systems, user-centered design methods, regulatory requirements, and contemporary digital project management and design technologies.
11. P11 Evaluate and reinterpret existing and historic interiors by integrating conservation principles, adaptive reuse strategies, and digital documentation techniques to support cultural continuity and sustainable heritage conservation.
12. P12 Integrate inclusive and socially responsible design approaches with entrepreneurship, lifelong learning, professional collaboration, and adaptation to technological transformation to contribute to the sustainable advancement of the profession and society.

Po-Lo Matrix