Cultural studies: the consumer society
J Finkelstein
8 points
* 2 hours per week
* First semester
* Clayton
Objectives On completion of this subject students will be able to identify various theoretical approaches to the analysis of consumer conduct; understand the historical development of consumer cultures; apply critical concepts to an analysis of material goods in contemporary and other cultures.
Synopsis The subject is concerned with the role that material goods play in the formation of social relations and a visual culture. Topics include fashion, mass media entertainments, tourism, popular culture and the globalisation of spectacular events including sports and news items.
Assessment Essay (3000 words): 50%
* Examination (2 hours): 40%
* Seminar paper (1000 words): 10%
Recommended texts
Barthes R Mythologies Hill and Wang
Featherstone M Consumer culture and postmodernism Sage
Finkelstein J Slaves of chic Minerva
Shields R (ed.) Lifestyle shopping Routledge
Tester K Media, culture and morality Routledge
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