Overview
In CLST 325: Understanding Cultural Studies you will learn about the history and origins of cultural studies, analyse and discuss some of the key theoretical debates initiated in and around what constitutes cultural studies, and review examples of the range of approaches that continue to shape and reshape [the ever-expanding boundaries of] the field.
Please note: CLST 325 is not intended as an introductory course, nor is it a course in multiculturalism. It is a senior–level course that asks students to take a critical approach to the required readings. Those with no prior experience of, or background in, cultural studies, are strongly advised to take CLST 201 before attempting CLST 325.
Evaluation
To receive credit for CLST 325, you must complete and submit all four assignments and achieve an overall grade of D (50 percent) or better for the entire course. Assignments should be completed and submitted in the order in which they are requested in the Study Guide. You are advised not to attempt the next assignment until you have completed and received feedback on the previous one.
| Activity | Weight |
| Assignment 1 | 15% |
| Assignment 2 | 25% |
| Assignment 3 | 25% |
| Assignment 4 | 35% |
| Total | 100% |
To learn more about assignments and examinations, please refer to Athabasca University’s online Calendar.
Materials
Physical course materials
The following course materials are included in a course package that will be shipped to your home prior to your course’s start date:
Bennett, Tony, Lawrence Grossberg and Meaghan Morris, eds. New Key Words: A Revised Vocabulary of Culture and Society. London: Blackwell, 2005.
Rivkin, Julie and Michael Ryan, eds. Literary Theory: An Anthology. Oxford: Blackwell, 2004.
Turner, Graeme. British Cultural Studies: An Introduction. London: Routledge, 2003.
Other materials
The course materials include a study guide and a reading file.