Cultural Studies: New Practices and Widening Horizons

This module builds on the insights gained in Cultural Studies: Origins, Development, Methodologies, by focusing explicitly on the ongoing development of Cultural Studies as a field in specifically non-Western contexts.

It investigates the evolution of the field's critical mission and its originary focus on the cultural distribution of power, and the ethical, moral and political questions raised by that focus. It does so by offering a series of key case studies drawing on cutting-edge work in, from and on the cultures of Asia, Africa and the Middle East, as well as their diasporas around the world, and invites students to work and learn collaboratively and experientially, putting their analytical insights to use in novel and ground-breaking ways.

This module is available as an open option in MA programmes that allow them.

Prerequisites

Completion of Cultural Studies: Origins, Development, Methodologies

Objectives and learning outcomes of the module

On successful completion of this module a student will be able to:

• demonstrate an understanding of the evolution of Cultural Studies in and on contemporary Africa, Asia and the Middle East and diasporas;
• analyse cultural products from a variety of cultures, societies and regions in nuanced and insightful ways;
• collaborate with others to produce novel research on recent and contemporary forms of cultural production in a variety of contexts;
• demonstrate a reflective awareness of their personal growth, evolution, and contribution to collaborative learning outcomes.

Workload

This module will be taught over 10 weeks with 3 hours of classroom contact per week consisting of a 2 hour lecture and 1 hour tutorial.

Scope and syllabus

Recent and contemporary trends in Cultural Studies in and on Africa, Asia and the Middle East; diasporic cultural production; collaborative and comparative approaches to studying cultures.

Method of assessment

Modules are assessed through a variety of methods including short and long essays, examinations, oral presentations, and response papers.

Suggested reading

A full reading list will be made available at the start of the module.

Disclaimer

Important notice regarding changes to programmes and modules.