230175 WS Diagnosis of Society: Culture and Society in Poststructuralism and Postmodern Theory (2014W)

The principal focus of this course is on post-structural and postmodern theory. The course provides a foundation in core concepts of post-structural and postmodern thought in relation to approaches to cultural processes and institutions (cultural and creative industries, fashion, art, visual cultures, media and cultural consumption). While the theoretical contributions of major post-structural and postmodern thinkers such as Deleuze, Barthes, Baudrillard, Foucault and Jameson are examined, they are situated within the context of current cultural debates and transformations in contemporary social theory and research.
The course thus aims to foster critical reflection and independent thought on issues such as identity and subjectivity, ethnicity and sexuality, criticism, knowledge and power in everyday and institutional contexts.