Subcultural Studies

Subject 106-430 (2009)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2009. Search for this in the current handbook

Credit Points:

12.50

Level:

4 (Undergraduate)

Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2009:

Semester 2, - Taught on campus.

Pre-teaching Period Start	not applicable
Teaching Period	not applicable
Assessment Period End	not applicable
Last date to Self-Enrol	not applicable
Census Date	not applicable
Last date to Withdraw without fail	not applicable

Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.

Time Commitment:

Contact Hours: A 2-hour seminar per week
Total Time Commitment: 2 contact hours/week, 6 additional hours/week. Total of 8 hours per week.

Prerequisites:

Usually admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth year honours in English, Creative Writing or Cultural Studies.

Corequisites:

None

Recommended Background Knowledge:

None

Non Allowed Subjects:

None

Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Prof Ken Gelder

Contact

Ken Gelder
kdgelder@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:	This subject studies texts and events relating to various subcultural formations, including gangs, music subcultures, drug cultures, neo-pagans, sexed subcultures, bohemias, underworlds, body art cultures and virtual communities. The subject asks students to explore the ways identification can occur through the subcultural frame; to examine ways in which cultural forms can be contested or claimed by subcultures; and to read subcultures both textually and sociologically. On successful completion of the subject students should be able to analyse subcultural studies as an historically-framed discipline, beginning with late 19th century ethnographies and developing through the Chicago School and the Birmingham tradition to contemporary analyses.
Objectives:	understand cultural arrangements and identifications - in particular, the ways in which cultural forms can be contested or claimed by subcultures; appreciate ethnographic problems in relation to the documentation of subcultures; understand the politics of representation in relation to subcultural identification; understand the formation of subcultural studies as a discipline, and the ways in which histories of subcultures may be written.
Assessment:	An essay of 5000 words for 4th year students or 6000 words for masters students 100% (due at the end of the semester). Students are required to attend a minimum of 80% of classes in order to qualify to have their written work assessed.
Prescribed Texts:	A subject reader will be available.
Breadth Options:	This subject is not available as a breadth subject.
Fees Information:	Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:	be able to apply new research skills and critical methods to a field of inquiry; develop critical self-awareness and shape and strengthen persuasive arguments; communicate arguments and ideas effectively and articulately, both in writing and to others.
Notes:	Formerly available as 106-083. Students who have completed 106-083 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations:	Cultural Studies Cultural Studies Cultural Studies English English English

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