106-101 Contemporary Culture and Media

This subject offers an introduction to contemporary cultural studies by focusing on the media: in particular, film, television, new media, advertising and photography. These media are approached and studied across their interacting registers of textuality, industry, ideology, and social practice. Through a combination of close textual analysis, cultural history and critical theory, the subject provides students with a reflexive understanding of the media's significance in contemporary cultural life and advanced critical skills through which to read and evaluate media discourses and texts. Students who complete this subject successfully should be familiar with methodologies, both critical and theoretical, on which to base further studies in English and cultural studies.

• acquire social, ethical and cultural understanding of self and others;

• be able to perform critical analysis and synthesis;

• develop effective written and oral communication;

• develop information management and information literacy;

• demonstrate teamwork, flexibility and tolerance;

• develop time management and planning.

A 1500 word essay or audiovisual project of 500 words plus a 1000 word essay 35% (due in week 8), a 1500 word essay or audiovisual project of 500 words plus a 1000 word essay 35% (due at the end of the semester), and a 1000 word weblog plus class presentation 30% (due at the end of the semester).

A subject reader and CD-ROM will be available.