Contemporary Cultural Theory

This subject is not offered in 2009.

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.

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

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.

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).

A subject reader will be available.

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

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• 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.

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.