Cultural Studies

Cultural Studies is an innovative interdisciplinary field of inquiry that explores the production of culture, with a particular concern for the operations of power in everyday practice. Themes and topics include everyday life, global media and cultures, race, sexuality, identities, and the body and emotion.

Students learn how to apply a broad and coherent body of knowledge in cultural studies to a range of contexts including a professional environment and as a pathway to further learning. Students gain experience in designing, managing and presenting research projects, working individually and in teams and work in a range of formats including reflective journals and creative writing, briefing papers, blogs and formal reports.

Major Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of the Cultural Studies major students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate a sound understanding of Cultural Studies key terms and concepts
2. Apply Cultural Studies theory to the analysis of specific moments of cultural contestation
3. Design and execute independent research, using qualitative research methods
4. Evaluate current critical debates in cultural studies

Subjects Required for Major Study

The Cultural Studies major requires a minimum of 54 credit points including one core subject at 100 level, both core subjects at 200 level and the core (capstone) subject at 300 level. The remaining subjects can be taken from the list of elective subjects listed in the study program below.

Themes and Topics that can be studied as part of the Cultural Studies Major are Emotions and Embodiment, Culture and Identities and Global Cultures. Should you wish to learn about any of these particular areas, the Faculty recommends the following list.

Note: These combinations of subjects listed below are not defined as Major or Minor Studies and will not appear on the Testamur or Transcript upon Graduation.

Emotions and Embodiment

The study of the body and emotions in culture has developed over the past decade into an innovative domain of research and study that represents the cutting edge of cultural studies work. We are learning that emotions are not simply biologically generated phenomena, but rather are defined and enacted by and within the discourses of culture.

Culture and Identities

The question of how we understand ourselves and the ways in which that understanding is forged in a cultural context is at the heart of contemporary cultural studies. More has been written about identities in cultural studies than any other subject.

Global Cultures

The processes of globalisation have made the boundaries of culture porous and to some degree enabled the interpenetration of cultural texts and practices to the extent that writers talk about cultural routes in global space rather than cultural roots in locations and place. Global media networks have been central to this process, although the transnational movements of people and the diffusion of vernacular cultural practices also play their part.

Subjects Required for Minor Study

A minor in Cultural Studies will consist of at least 28 credit points.

Honours

See Bachelor of Arts (Honours).

Credit Arrangements

Credit and articulation arrangements are available from the Course Finder. Refer to UOW's credit arrangements for information on how to apply for credit.

Other Information

Further information is available at:
UOW Course Finder
Email: lha-enquiries@uow.edu.au