120011 VO Approaching Cultural Studies (2016S)

This course lecture explores popular media as an object of cultural studies, introducing students to theoretical approaches, key practices and selected issues relevant to the study of culture/s following the British tradition of Cultural Studies. We will especially look at meaning making in the production and consumption of cultural artifacts, investigate the dynamics of representation, power and knowledge, and relate these issues to questions of race, gender and class. Theoretical models and perspectives will be constantly grounded in practical examples, focused on but not limited to visual cultural material.