CJN 742

CULTURAL STUDIES (Graduate Level)

This class explores how popular culture has been conceptualized in an age of mass communication and consumer capitalism. The class applies multiple methodologies and theoretical frameworks within the field of cultural studies, including political economy, cultural policy, textual analysis and ethnographic research, to investigate various cultural industries such as television, fashion, music video, film, the press, networked technologies, advertising, comic books, shopping, sports, video games, etc. Attention is paid to how power relations manifest themselves in cultural forms and practices, particularly in relation to class, gender, race and sexuality.

Syllabus: Course purpose, attendance policy, grading structure and contact information (PDF document).

Assignments: Weekly reading assignments.

Overheads: Visual and audio examples from class.

Mid-term Exam: Due February 28th.

Final Exam: Due May 2nd.

Book Review: Due April 11th.