ASM4110

Cultural studies: the consumer society

Proposed to be offered next in 1999

Joanne Finkelstein

12 points
* 2 hours per week
* 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; and better understand the significance of globalisation.

Synopsis This 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 (6000 words): 50%
* Examination (2 hours): 30%
* Seminar paper (1000 words): 20%

Recommended texts

Featherstone M Consumer culture and postmodernism Sage, 1991
Finkelstein J Slaves of chic Minerva, 1996
Shields R (ed.) Lifestyle shopping Routledge, 1992