106-409 Stardom, Media, Culture

Formerly available as 106-018. Students who have completed 106-018 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Usually admission to the postgraduate diploma or fouth year honours in English or cultural studies, see Honours entry.

This subject examines the phenomenon of modern media stardom. It focuses on how star images are produced, circulated and consumed, and what they reveal about cultural life in the 20th century and beyond. The subject will trace the historical evolution of modern stardom and explore the connections between different kinds of star texts. It will develop a wide-ranging reading of stardom as a dynamic element of contemporary culture that performs vital social functions and generates a variety of values and meanings. Students who successfully complete this subject will acquire a strong understanding of the histories, functions and effects of modern stardom and will be familiar with the competing ways stardom has been theorised within contemporary cultural studies.

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

• develop skills in critical analysis and synthesis;

• develop skills in effective written and oral communication;

• develop skills in information management and information literacy;

• develop skills in teamwork, flexibility and tolerance;

• develop skills in time management and planning.

A research proposal of 500 words 10% (due mid-semester) and a 4500 word essay 90% (due at the end of the semester).

A subject reader will be available.