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 fourth year honours in English, Creative Writing or Cultural Studies.

This subject studies texts and events relating to various subcultural formations, including gangs, music subcultures, drug cultures, neo-pagans, sexed subcultures, bohemias, underworlds, body art cultures and virtual communities. 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 to contemporary analyses.

• 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.

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 from the University Bookshop.

• K Gelder (ed), The Subcultures Reader. (2nd ed).