106-047 Art/Pornography/Blasphemy/Propaganda

Usually 12.5 points of first year English, or 50 points of first year arts including at least 25 points from a specified list of subject areas for students completing a cultural studies major.

This subject provides an introduction to the history and politics of censorship of the arts in the West since the 1890s. It examines the contested boundaries between art and its presumed 'others' - pornography, blasphemy and propaganda - by focusing on certain celebrated cases of censorship of literary texts, visual art, film and popular music. Students completing the subject should gain an understanding of the processes by which censorship operates; its role in defining 'artistic merit'; and some of the ways in which the concept of 'aesthetic value' has been employed to defend cultural artefacts against charges of obscenity, blasphemy and/or propaganda over the past century.

• be able to apply new research skills and critical methods to a field of inquiry;

• develop critical self-awareness and shape and strengthen persuasive arguments;

• communicate arguments and ideas effectively and articulately, both in writing and to others.

A 5-minute classpaper presentation 10%, an essay of 1500 words 40% (due mid-semester) and a second essay of 2500 words 50% (due at the end of semester). A hurdle requirement of class participation and attendance at a minimum of nine tutorials is required.

A subject reader will be available from the University Bookshop. Any edition of the following texts is acceptable:

• B E Ellis, American Psycho.
• M Kundera, Unbearable Lightness of Being.
• D H Lawrence, Lady Chatterley's Lover.
• P Reage, Story of O (Part 1).
• S Rushdie, Satanic Verses.
• A Solzhenitsyn, One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich.
• O Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray.
• Films, The Last Temptation of Christ, Blue Velvet.
• Music Album: The 2 Live Crew, Nasty As They Wanna Be.