106-444 Global Culture: History and Theory

Formerly available as 106-089. Students who have completed 106-089 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Usually admission to the postgraduate diploma or fourth year honours in English or cultural studies.

Today global communications systems and cultural technologies are extending their reach. Increasingly movies and cultural events are being produced for global consumption. This subject analyses globalisation by asking questions like: Is it another form of cultural imperialism? What will be the role of national cultures in the future? Is there such a thing as a global popular culture? How do we historicise and theorise global culture? Students completing this subject will possess familiarity with contemporary analysis of global culture; an understanding of debates over 'cultural imperialism' and 'hybridity'; a sense of how work on postcolonialism and work on globalisation fit together and an understanding of approaches to the history of global culture.

• have advanced research and analytic skills;

• develop critical and ethical self-awareness;

• have the ability to develop and communicate effective arguments in both oral and written form.

An essay of 5000 words for 4th year students or 6000 words for masters students 100% (due at the end of the semester).