Introduction to cultural studies I
P Anderson
6 points * First semester * Clayton
How do the texts that surround us persuade, inform, entertain and instruct us? This subject uses both literary and non-literary, verbal, musical, dramatic, film, television and visual material from different countries and historical periods to introduce students to reading as a critical practice. Language and the arts will be seen in a constant interplay with society, belief and habit. Texts, efficient and inefficient, familiar or unfamiliar, will be seen as both a means of communication and instruments of control. By seeing how we do things with words and other signs, we hope to show how words do things with us. Students will be encouraged to analyse texts from everyday life, from their own university disciplines, and from their general reading and viewing.
Assessment
Written (1500 words): 30% * Examinations (2 hours): 20% * Practical work/seminar participation: 50%