Contemporary Cultural Theory

Subject 106-368 (2009)

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

Credit Points: 12.50
Level: 3 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject is not offered in 2009.

Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 1.5-hour lecture and a 1-hour tutorial per week.
Total Time Commitment: Not available
Prerequisites:

Usually fifty points of first year arts including 12.5 pts from an approved study area and completion of the first year Cultural Studies subject 106-101 and 37.5 pts of second year Cultural Studies subjects.

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

Contact

Chris Healy

clhealy@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject introduces students to some of the major theoretical traditions in cultural studies ranging from studies of mass culture to feminist, ethnographic and postcolonial cultural studies. These theoretical traditions will be our resource to be used by students to produce detailed and specific studies of contemporary cultural practices. By apprehending the diverse national and international tendencies in cultural studies, students will engage with some of the significant problems of the cultures we inhabit.

Objectives: Students who successfully complte this subject should understand the basic approaches of the major theoretical traditions in cultural studies;
have developed the analytical skills and methodological confidence to produce small-scale specific studies of contemporary cultural practices;
appreciate the analytical scope and theoretical importance of the study of contemporary culture.
Assessment:

All students will be required to give a formal presentation to one tutorial. An essay of 1200 words 30% (due before mid-semester) and an essay of 2500 words 70% (due at the end of semester).

Students are advised to consult the following web address for details of assessment penalities which apply to this subject http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/policy/assessment/policy/penalities.html.
Prescribed Texts:

A subject reader will be available.

  • The Cultural Studies Reader, 2nd ed. (Simon During), Routledge 1999
Breadth Options:

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:
  • have advanced research and analytic skills;

  • show critical and ethical self-awareness;

  • have the ability to develop and communicate effective arguments in both oral and written form;

  • have advanced skills in media and information literacy and management.

Notes:

This Capstone subject is compulsory for students intending to complete a major in Cultural Studies and is only available at third year level. Students who have completed 106-064 Contemporary Cultural Studies are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Cinema & Cultural Studies
Cinema and Cultural Studies
Cinema and Cultural Studies
Cultural Studies Major

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