Overview
Master of Arts-Interdisciplinary Studies 625: Critical Perspectives in Cultural Studies is a foundational course for the Cultural Studies stream of the Master of Arts-Interdisciplinary Studies. In this course you will learn about the history and origins of cultural studies, analyze 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. You will also be given the opportunity to apply this knowledge by producing, as your final assignment, an analysis of a cultural text or practice-in short, to actually do cultural studies yourself.
Objectives
The core objectives of MAIS 625: Critical Perspectives in Cultural Studies are to
- familiarize you with the foundational texts and formative debates that initially defined the field of cultural studies.
- introduce theoretical analyses of the relationship between theory and practice, as well as examples of practical applications of cultural-studies principles.
- explore the interdisciplinary origins and applications of cultural studies, focusing on the ways in which cultural studies transcends and/or transforms disciplinary boundaries.
- encourage you to think critically about cultural values
- foster an awareness that academic pursuits do not occur in a social vacuum and that culture is nothing if not political
Evaluation
To receive credit for this course, students must participate in the online activities, successfully complete the assignments, and achieve a final mark of at least 60 per cent. Students should be familiar with the Master of Arts—Interdisciplinary Studies grading system. Please note that it is students' responsibility to maintain their program status. Any student who receives a grade of "F" in one course, or a grade of "C" in more than one course, may be required to withdraw from the program.
The following table summarizes the evaluation activities and the credit weights associated with them:
| Activity | Weight |
| Online conference participation | 15% |
| Learning journal submissions | 20% |
| Individual presentation and moderation of online conference | 25% |
| Term paper outline | 5% |
| Term paper | 35% |
| Total | 100% |
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:
Morley, David, and Kuan-Hsing Chen, eds. Stuart Hall: Critical Dialogues in Cultural Studies. London: Routledge, 1996.
Mukerji, Chandra, and Michael Schudson, eds. Rethinking Popular Culture: Contemporary Perspectives in Cultural Studies. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1991.
Rivkin, Julie, and Michael Ryan, eds. Literary Theory: An Anthology. 2nd ed. Oxford: Blackwell, 2004.
Turner, Graeme. British Cultural Studies: An Introduction. 3rd ed. London: Routledge, 2003.
The course materials for MAIS 625: Critical Perspectives in Cultural Studies include the items listed above. If you find that any items are missing from your course package, please contact the Course Materials Production department at Athabasca University as soon as possible. You may call Athabasca University, toll-free, from anywhere in Canada or the United States at 1-800-788-9041 and ask to speak to someone in Course Materials Production (ext. 6366). Students in the Edmonton and Calgary dialling areas are asked to call the Learning Centres to connect with the automated attendant, and then dial the four-digit extension. You may send e-mail to cmat@athabascau.ca, or write to Course Materials Production at Tim Byrne Centre, 4001 Hwy 2 South, Athabasca AB T9S 1A4.
Athabasca University Printed Materials
Course Guide: The Course Guide contains the course introduction, objectives, reading assignments, participation activities, assignments and evaluation criteria, and other information that you will need to complete the course successfully. The "Course Schedule and Study Plan" identifies the course activities and assignments that you are to complete each week. Please take time now to review the information in this document in order to become familiar with the design of the course.
Reading File: The Reading File is a collection of articles and excerpts which complement the course textbooks. The Course Guide will direct students to these readings as required.
Athabasca University Online Materials
Course Home Page: You will find your assignments and links to submit your work to your professor on the course home page.
Athabasca University Library: Students are encouraged to browse the Library's Web site to review the Library collection of journal databases, electronic journals, and digital reference tools: http://library.athabascau.ca.