106-430 Subcultural Studies

Formerly available as 106-083. Students who have completed 106-083 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 studies texts and events relating to various subcultural formations, including gangs, music subcultures, drug cultures, ethnic or diasporic subcultures, queer cultures, body art cultures and techno-cultures. The subject asks students to explore the ways identification can occur through the subcultural frame; to examine ways in which cultural forms can be contested or claimed by subcultures; and to read subcultures both textually and sociologically. On successful completion of the subject students should be able to analyse subcultural studies as an historically-framed discipline, beginning with late 19th century ethnographies and developing through the Chicago School and the Birmingham tradition.

An essay of 5000 words for 4th year students or 6000 words for masters students 100% (due at the end of the semester). Students are required to attend a minimum of 80% of classes in order to qualify to have their written work assessed.

A subject reader will be available.