Time Schedule:
Gabrielle Dean
ENGL 207
Seattle Campus
Introduces cultural studies as an interdisciplinary field and practice. Explores multiple histories of the field with an emphasis on current issues and developments. Focuses on culture as a site of political and social debate and struggle. Offered: AWSp.
Class description
This course will focus on two primary questions: how does one "do" cultural studies, and what does cultural studies "do"? To address these issues, we'll focus first on the historical origins of the disciplines, inquiries and values that describe cultural studies, and then examine recent examples of work with a special emphasis on urban visual and material culture. We will examine and employ different strategies of reading culture to understand their different intellectual, creative and political aims and investments.
We will read across a wide range of genres and media, including critical theory, cultural criticism and literature, as well as film, visual art, websites, everyday artifacts and urban locations. Specific texts include Sardar, -Introducing Cultural Studies-; Bennett, Grossberg & Morris, -New Keywords: A Revised Vocabulary of Culture and Society-; and Paul Auster, -City of Glass-. Expect to buy a course reader as well.
Classroom time will be devoted primarily to discussion, so your participation will be essential.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
