Analyze selected topics in relation to contemporary American society.
Critically evaluate the cultural issues under scrutiny.
Mode of Delivery
Face to face
Prerequisites
No
Recommended Optional Programme Components
Course Description
This course explores selected topics in cultural theory such as identity, ethnicity, race, gender, class, and the media with specific reference to contemporary American society. These topics are discussed through analytical and critical reading of selected theoretical and cultural texts.
Course Contents
WEEK
TOPICS
1st Week
Introduction
, Cultural Criticism
2nd Week
Conference Week
3rd Week
Literary Theory & Cultural Criticism
4th Week
Marxism & Cultural Criticism
5th Week
Semiotics & Cultural Criticism
6th Week
Psychoanalytic Theory & Cultural Criticism
7th Week
Sociological Theory & Cultural Criticism
8th Week
Midterm
9th Week
Ethnicity and Immigration: Between Many Words: American Cultural Studies, Pg. 53-87. In Class Writing 1
10th Week
African Americans: I don't sing other people's voices: American Cultural Studies, Pg. 88-120. In Class Writing 2
11th Week
Approaches to Regionalism: American Cultural Studies, Pg. 152-199. In Class Writing 3
12th Week
The American City: American Cultural Studies, Pg. 200-230. In Class Writing 4
13th Week
Gender and Sexuality: American Cultural Studies, Pg. 231-262. In Class Writing 5
14th Week
The Spread of Freedom: American Cultural Studies, Pg. 295-329. In Class Writing 6
15th Week
Overview
Recommended or Required Reading
Required Reading:
Arthur Asa Berger's Cultural Criticism: A Primer of Key Concepts. London: Sage, 1995.
Planned Learning Activities and Teaching Methods
Lecture
Discussion
Questions/Answers
Other
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Quantity
Percentage (%)
Mid-term
1
30
Project
1
30
Total(%)
60
Contribution of In-term Studies to Overall Grade(%)
60
Contribution of Final Examination to Overall Grade(%)
