COS3110

Cultural studies: the consumer society

Proposed to be offered next in 1999

Joanne Finkelstein

8 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.

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

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