CLS1040

Introduction to cultural studies I

Andrew Milner

6 points - 3 hours per week - First semester - Clayton - Prohibitions: PER1010

Objectives On completion of this subjects students should be able to understand some aspects of the contemporary discussion of popular culture and show competence in the critical skills necessary for cultural analysis.

Synopsis The study of popular culture has become an area of considerable theoretical interest to analysts of literature, culture and society. This subject will introduce students to different aspects of the contemporary discussion of popular culture and will explore a variety of ways in which mass market cultural products can usefully be discussed. The subject will examine (a) theoretical traditions in the analysis of popular culture; (b) the historical development and social functioning of the mass media; (c) the social mechanisms by which popular culture is produced, distributed and consumed; (d) critical approaches to the reading of popular print and audio-visual texts. These issues will be pursued in part by way of an analysis of a series of 'Frankenstein' narratives.

Assessment One essay (2000 words): 40% - Examination (1 hour): 20% - Tutorial work (including workbook): 40%

Prescribed texts

Dick P K Do androids dream of electric sheep? Harper Collins
Milner A Literature, culture and society Allen and Unwin
Shelley M Frankenstein ed. M K Joseph, OUP

Films

Blade Runner dir. R Scott, Ladd Company
Blade Runner: The Director's Cut dir. R Scott, Warner Home Video
Frankenstein dir. J Whale, Universal Studios
The curse of Frankenstein dir. T Fisher, Hammer Films
Mary Shelley's Frankenstein dir. K Branagh, Tristar

Recommended texts

During S (ed.) The cultural studies reader Routledge
Fiske J Introduction to communication studies Methuen
Williamson J Decoding advertisements Marion Boyars

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