This course aims to develop an understanding of cultural practices and identities in every day life, including how they are shaped by and shape the social world. Primary emphasis is on developing a critical awareness of how identities and cultures are influenced by popular culture and contemporary mass media, and emerging technologies. The course provides case studies in popular culture to develop the skills of critical and cultural analysis.
Prerequisite(s)
None
Corequisite(s)
None
Special Requisite(s)
None
Instructor(s)
Lecturer Sarper Dörter
Course Assistant(s)
None
Schedule
Mondays 9 - 12 / 13 - 16
Office Hour(s)
Email me for a meeting.
Teaching Methods and Techniques
Close readings, Theory, In-class discussions, Presentations
Principle Sources
Fiske, John. (2010) “Commodities and Culture” from Understanding Popular Culture
Storey, John. (2018) “Marxisms” 78 -111 from Cultural Theory and Popular Culture
Storey, John. (2018) “Culturalism” – 38 - 60
Sturken & Cartwright. (2001) “Images, Power, and Politics” & “Viewers Make Meaning” from Practices of Looking: An Introduction to Visual Culture
Mulvey, Laura. (1975) "Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema"
Said, Edward. (1985) “Orientalism Reconsidered”
Boym, Svetlana. (2001) "Introduction". The Future of Nostalgia
Coleman, Gabriella. (2012) “Phreaks, Hackers, and Trolls”
Nixon, Rob. (2011) "Introduction". Slow Violence and the Environmentalism of the Poor
Fisher, Mark. (2009) "Chapter 1". Capitalist Realism: Is there no alternative?
Fisher, Mark. "Exiting the Vampire Castle”
Other Sources
- Ryan, M. (2010). Cultural Studies: A Practical introduction. Wiley-Blackwell
- Storey, J. (2015). (2018). Cultural Theory and Popular Culture: An Introduction. New York: Routledge.
- During, S. (1993) The Cultural Studies Reader. London: Routledge
Course Schedules
Week
Contents
Learning Methods
1. Week
Expectations
Oral presentation, Group Projects, classroom
discussions.
2. Week
Fiske, John – “Commodities and Culture” from Understanding Popular Culture
Oral presentation, Group Projects, classroom
discussions.
3. Week
Base & Superstructure & Frankfurt
John Storey – “Marxisms” 78 -111 from Cultural Theory and Popular Culture
Oral presentation, Group Projects, classroom
discussions.
4. Week
Birmingham School of Contemporary Cultural Studies
John Storey – “Culturalism” – 38 - 60
Oral presentation, Group Projects, classroom
discussions.
5. Week
Reception & Representation
Sturken & Cartwright – “How We Negotiate the Meaning of Images”
Oral presentation, Group Projects, classroom
discussions.
6. Week
The Male Gaze
Laura Mulvey - Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema
Oral presentation, Group Projects, classroom
discussions.
7. Week
MIDTERMS
Oral presentation, Group Projects, classroom
discussions.
8. Week
EID HOLIDAY
9. Week
"Slow Violence" by Rob Nixon
Oral presentation, Group Projects, classroom
discussions.
10. Week
Nostalgia in Popular Culture
Introduction from Svetlana Boym’s The Future of Nostalgia
Oral presentation, Group Projects, classroom
discussions.
11. Week
Capitalist Realism
Introduction from Mark Fisher’s Capitalist Realism
Oral presentation, Group Projects, classroom
discussions.
12. Week
Online Cultures
“Phreaks, Hackers, and Trolls” by Gabriella Coleman
Oral presentation, Group Projects, classroom
discussions.
13. Week
STUDENT THEATRE
Oral presentation, Group Projects, classroom
discussions.
14. Week
REVIEW
Oral presentation, Group Projects, classroom
discussions.
15. Week
16. Week
Final Exams Week
17. Week
Final Exams Week
Assessments
Evaluation tools
Quantity
Weight(%)
Midterm(s)
1
40
Quizzes
1
0
Homework / Term Projects / Presentations
1
10
Final Exam
1
50
Program Outcomes
PO-1
Show knowledge of a substantial range of authors, movements and texts from different periods of literary history.
PO-2
Identify the intellectual, cultural and socio-historical contexts in which literature
is written and read.
PO-3
Employ the necessary skills in the reading, analysis and in appreciation of literature.
PO-4
Recognize, interpret, and comment on rhetorical and figurative language.
PO-5
Identify, distinguish between and assess the distinctive characteristics of texts written in the principle literary genres.
PO-6
Recall and define key terms and concepts relating to language, literature and/or culture.
PO-7
Recognize the role of different social and cultural contexts in affecting meaning.
PO-8
Demonstrate responsiveness to the central role of language in the creation of meaning.
PO-9
Recognize different structures and discourse functions of the English language.
PO-10
Display competence both in written and/or oral expression and in the
communication of ideas in a variety of contexts.
PO-11
Demonstrate critical skills in the close reading, description, interpretation,
and analysis of literary and non-literary texts.
PO-12
Use logical thought, critical reasoning, and rhetorical skills to effectively
construct arguments.
PO-13
Apply guided research skills including the ability to gather, sift, organize and
present information and material.
PO-14
Show competence in planning, preparation and revision of essays,
presentations, and other written and project work.
PO-15
Reflect on ethical and philosophical issues raised in literary, critical, and
cultural texts.
Learning Outcomes
LO-1
recall and define basic concepts and terminology related to the theories and notions of popular culture.
LO-2
develop awareness and critical understanding about everyday life practices and global culture.
LO-3
recognize, evaluate and interpret how the products of popular culture shape one’s identity and gain a critical stance towards the events taking place around the world and in their own context.
LO-4
compare, contrast and distinguish cultural movements and trends which have changed over time.
LO-5
construct knowledge about the culture of the target language.
LO-6
develop a more tolerant attitude and behavior towards cultures of others.
LO-7
improve their listening, speaking and presentation skills.
