CLS2130

Culture and Society: Introduction to Cultural Theory ( 6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Jeff Browitt

Offered:
Not offered in 2005.

Synopsis: The unit aims to introduce students to a variety of theoretical approaches to the study of the relationship between culture and society. The unit begins with English literary-critical conceptions of culture; proceeds to the French structuralist tradition, especially as exemplified in anthropology and in semiotics; and to that mainly German tradition of theorising about culture which arises from the encounter between sociology, psychoanalysis and Marxism. The unit then moves to a discussion of current theoretical debates concerning the sociology of culture, the cultural politics of sexual difference, cultural nationalism and multiculturalism, postcolonialism and postmodernism.

Objectives: 1. To introduce students to a variety of theoretical approaches to the study of the relationship between culture and society, drawing on literary-critical, socio-historical and anthropological discourse. It begins with English literary-critical conceptions of culture; proceeds to the French structuralist tradition, especially as exemplified in anthropology and in semiotics; and to that mainly German tradition of recognize about culture which arises from the encounter between sociology, psychoanalysis and Marxism. 2. To introduce students to a discussion of current theoretical debatesconcerning the sociology of culture, the cultural politics of sexual difference, cultural nationalism and multiculturalism, postcolonialism and postmodernism. 3. To enable students to understand, feel comfortable with and be able to articulate the analytical skills, theoretical vocabularies and conceptual apparatuses studied. 4. To develop in students a sense of their own personal and cultural reflexivity as they observe and interpret the cultural theories analysed in the subject. 5. To provide the critical and expressive resources to enable students to write clear, grammatically and syntactically appropriate, independent essays on the various topics provided or chosen for assessment.

Assessment: One essay (2250 words): 50% + Examination (2 hours): 50%

Contact Hours: 2 hours (1 x 2 hour seminar) per week

Prerequisites: First year sequence in English, Literary Studies or Cultural Studies or permission.

Prohibitions: CLS3130