Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Synopsis Through an examination of contemporary culture this subject is designed to introduce students to the notion of politics as something that transcends the traditional realms of parliaments and political parties. Against this conventional conception of politics this subject takes as its starting point the argument that politics is everywhere by exploring the idea that in the modern world it is the cultural realm which has emerged as one of the most significant arenas of political struggle. The subject will investigate how different cultural forms (in the realms of sexuality, drugs or music) have the capacity to act as either persuasive reinforcements of the political status quo or, alternatively, powerful forces of resistance to established political and social norms. Topics to be addressed include gay and lesbian politics, the politics of AIDS, drugs and the politics of health, and the political character of different forms of contemporary artistic expression such as rock music and the Simpsons. In an endeavour to tease out the links between capitalism and cultural politics examples will be drawn from contemporary Australian life as well as European and Asian societies.
Assessment Tutorial participation and attendance and an oral presentation: (1000 words): 20% + Written work (1500 words): 40% + Examination (2 hours): 40%