Cultural Studies SSCSA2-B44 2023 PDF

Cultural Studies SSCSA2 Eduvos (Pty) Ltd (formerly Pearson Institute of Higher Education) is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training as a private higher education institution under the Higher Education Act, 101,...

Cultural Studies SSCSA2 Eduvos (Pty) Ltd (formerly Pearson Institute of Higher Education) is registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training as a private higher education institution under the Higher Education Act, 101, of 1997. Registration Certificate number: 2001/HE07/008  What will we cover? Chapter 1 – The different meanings of culture and the issues that arise from these meanings, this will show us how the study of culture is an activity that produces knowledge that separate disciplines cannot. Chapter 2 – We examine communication and representation introducing critical issue to language and meaning Chapter 3 – We look at multiple dimensions and theories of power and inequality Chapter 4 – Offers insight into everyday life by consumption and technological changes, a discussion of new media and interactive technology a.k.a. social networking etc. Chapter 5 – Addresses how culture is researched and how cultural studies knowledge is produced Chapter 6 – Points to the ways in which culture cannot be understood without significant attention to space, place and social change Chapter 7 – A redefinition of politics arising from ongoing social movements Chapter 8 - The body : our bodies and how we treat them, new technologies and body alteration INTRODUCTION Welcome to Cultural Studies SSCSA2- B44 2023 During the LET’S GET READY week, you learnt about the concept of culture, and we will begin this lesson with a re-cap. Please ensure you have covered the theory and are prepared to share knowledge in the lesson, as you may identify areas of the content that you may require further clarity on and raise it in this lecture. We will close off our introduction with issues and problems in the study of culture. To further our knowledge of the concept of culture, we will look at the leading theoretical perspectives in cultural studies. Re-cap of LGR You covered: What culture is, by explaining and discussing the central theories, concepts and arguments of cultural studies. (Mullins 2016)  of 48 of 48 (Beukes 2021) Why do we study Cultural Studies? To provide us with an informed understanding of the central perspectives related to the field of cultural studies, with particular focus placed on how power and influence is achieved and exerted in society. In doing so, we are exposed to a number of theories and concepts that explore these ideas in relation to our social knowledge, social activities and social institutions. (Beukes, J. 2021)  of 48 of 48 Chapter 1 (Mullins, 2016) (memegenerator.net, 2021) (quickmeme.com, 2021)  Cambridge Dictionary Definitions (minus the natural science definitions) culture Noun [ C or U ]the way of life, especially the general customs and beliefs, of a particular group of people at a particular time: music, art, theatre, literature, etc.: the way of life of a particular people, esp. as shown in their ordinary behavior and habits, their attitudes toward each other, and their moral and religious beliefs: the arts of describing, showing, or performing that represent the traditions or the way of life of a particular people or group; literature, art, music, dance, theater, etc. (Beukes, J. 2021) (Beukes, J. 2021)  The aim of this module is to provide students with an informed understanding of the central perspectives related to the field of cultural studies, with particular focus placed on how power and influence is achieved and exerted in society. In doing so, this module will expose students to a number of theories and concepts that explore these ideas in relation to our social knowledge, social activities and social institutions. Prescribed Reading: Longhurst, B., Smith, G., Bagnall, G., Crawford, G., & Ogborn, M. (2017). Introducing cultural studies (3rd ed.). New York, NY: Routledge  MyLMS and assessments In addition to all module-related information, this page is designed to supplement your campus lectures and thus enhance your understanding of the course material. Students should spend approximately 2 hours per week on the blended learning activities provided here to compliment the learning that takes place during lectures. The activities provided should be completed during the corresponding lecture schedule each week (please note, this is done during the student’s own time, and not during the lecture time allocated). Within each week, a number of activities, videos and revision exercises have been provided that focus on selected theoretical aspects related to that week's content. Due 25 October – Next Monday We will cover 8 chapters in this module: Chapter 1 – The different meanings of culture and the issues that arise form these meanings, this will show us how the study of culture is an activity that produces knowledge that separate disciplines cannot. Chapter 2 – We examine communication and representation introducing critical issue to language and meaning Chapter 3 – We look at multiple dimensions and theories of power and inequality Chapter 4 – Offers insight into everyday life by consumption and technological changes, a discussion of new media and interactive technology a.k.a. social networking etc. Chapter 5 – Addresses how culture is researched and how cultural studies knowledge is produced Chapter 6 – Points to the ways in which culture cannot be understood without significant attention to space, place and social change Chapter 7 – A redefinition of politics arising from ongoing social movements  Week 1: Culture and Cultural Studies Throughout this week you will learn about the different meanings surrounding the concept of culture as well as the core issues arising from these meanings. Additionally, you will be exposed to some of the leading theoretical perspectives within the field of cultural studies. Lesson 1: Understanding Culture and Cultural Studies In this lesson, you will learn about the broad field that is cultural studies as a discipline as well as how it goes about understanding and debating the concept of ‘culture’ in relation to present-day society as we know it. Prescribed Reading: This lesson corresponds with pages 1-22 of your prescribed textbook. Time Allocation: You should spend approximately 1 hour completing the activities in this lesson. (Beukes, J. 2021) (Beukes, J. 2021) (Beukes, J. 2021) (Beukes, J. 2021) (Beukes, J. 2021) (Beukes, J. 2021) (Beukes, J. 2021) (Beukes, J. 2021) Read textbook section (Beukes, J. 2021) Read textbook section (Beukes, J. 2021) Read textbook section (Beukes, J. 2021) Read textbook section (Beukes, J. 2021) Read textbook section (Beukes, J. 2021) Read textbook section (Beukes, J. 2021) Read textbook section (Beukes, J. 2021) Read textbook section (Beukes, J. 2021) Read textbook section (Beukes, J. 2021) Read textbook section (Beukes, J. 2021) Read textbook section (Beukes, J. 2021) Read textbook section (Beukes, J. 2021) Read textbook section (Beukes, J. 2021) Read recap section on page 33 (Beukes, J. 2021) Slide references Beukes, J. 2021 SSCSA2-B44 Module Lead – lecture slides and material E-mailed material Date accessed 12/10/2021 Culture definition. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/culture Date accessed 12/10/2021 Dog in a hat meme http://www.quickmeme.com/meme/361rgk Date accessed 12/10/2021 Gosling, Ryan meme. https://memegenerator.net/instance/61374296/ryan-gosling-hey-girl-hey-girl-im-not-usually-into-communication-and -critical-cultural-studies-but-y Date accessed 12/10/2021 Mullins, D. 2016. Forget memes. You should be studying cultural evolution http://seshatdatabank.info/why-study-cultural-evolution/ Date accessed 12/10/2021 Chapter 2 Culture Communication and Representation Chapter 2 SSCSA2-B44 2021 Throughout this week we will explore how meaning is made, organised and communicated in society (thereby shaping our cultures). This week will focus specifically on the role played by language and representation in the cultural meaning-making process, with specific reference to the ideas of semiotics. Lesson 1: Semiotics for Beginners The field of semiotics is one of the best ways to learn more about how meaning (by which we are speaking about the meaning of everything – from the meaning of particular words such as ‘cat’ or dog’ to the meaning of broader social constructs such as ‘man’ or ‘woman’) is communicated and represented to us. Semiotics basically refers to the study of signs (i.e. symbols). When using semiotics, we are exploring how different signs are grouped together to symbolically represent (or convey) various ideas to us. Initially semiotics focused solely on language (how it is structured and organised) as our primary meaning-making systems (e.g. combining C + A + T = the domesticated animal in our homes). However, nowadays we also use it to interpret (and make sense of) all symbols that exists in our society (e.g. high heels + dress + make-up = woman). In fact, we can argue that society itself works like a language – a system of symbols that are joined together, under a particular set of rules and structure, to create meaning. Cultural studies consequently critically explores the processes involved behind generating such meaning in our society (e.g. how have we become to understand that signs such as dresses and make-up can be equated with the idea of femininity – and what does that mean for those people who embody it?). Make your way through the activities below to enhance your understanding of this field. Read introduction on page 34 An example of using semiotics as a method of analysis Page 169-177 Chapter 2-3 Culture, Communication and Representation Chapter 2 Culture, Power, Globalisation and inequality Chapter 3 SSCSA2-B44 2023 During this week we will be completing the previous chapter’s (chapter 2) content focusing on language, communication and inequality. In addition, we will begin a new focus (chapter 3) on globalisation as well as the legitimation of inequality in society. Essentially, the central theme for this week is power and inequality (whereby many of the same issues of inequality have begun to permeate across most cultures as we become more and more part of a globalised world). Lesson 1: Legitimating Power and Inequality As you are aware from last week, we derive most of our understanding of the world through ideas that are symbolically represented and communicated to us. What is important to understand this week is that there are certain dominant groups in our societies that have the power to influence the very nature of these ideas and what they mean to us (from which we use to understand and live in the world around us). For example, you might become aware that you are acting in a way that is different from others around you (or perhaps even from how you used to act in the past). In doing so, you might ask yourself: Am I going ‘crazy’ (or is this normal)? The answer to this question will be based on our cultural understanding of the concept of ‘sanity’ (i.e. what constitutes a sane/insane person). So you perhaps go to an expert in this field, say a psychologist, to help you understand whether or not you are insane and what to do about it. In this instance the psychologists, as the experts, are the dominant group in society. They hold the power to decide what constitutes sane or insane behaviour (what is normal and what is not), which they then communicate to the rest of society as the ‘truth’ of mental health. However, cultural studies theorists argue that these ‘truths’ that are presented to us are merely ideas posed to us, by those dominant groups, based on their personal beliefs and serving their interests. For example, the psychologists have based their understanding of sanity on the notions of Western ideas based on the scientific method. As they are now considered the ‘experts’ of sanity in society, it means their conceptualisation of sanity/mental health is the most important (i.e. holds power), and will thus be prioritised and favoured over other understandings of mental health (e.g. based on Eastern or African ideas). Hence if one group (and their ideas) holds more power than others to influence society, it will lead to a favouring of their ideas (of how society is) over alternative explanations. The subsequent power of one group over the other thus creates inequality. Now apply this same process to the notions of class (the rich are dominant), race (white/colonial/Western are dominant) and gender (men are dominant) and you have an idea of some of the key inequality issues prevalent in society today. Cultural studies use the concepts of ideology and hegemony to best explain this process. Watch the videos below In this lesson, you will learn more about the role of globalisation. Globalisation refers to the global spread of economies, cultural ideologies and power across national borders, resulting on the intermeshing world economies, politics and cultures into a global system. With the spread of cultural ideologies (especially that of capitalism) and practices across the world, so does the resultant inequalities created by them also spread. Lesson 3: Communication and Mass Media As mentioned earlier, the ideologies of those groups in power are represented and communicated to us in a hegemonic fashion (which ultimately lead to inequalities within various groups in society). One of the best ways this is done is through the mass media (film, advertising, etc.). Hence the media is an ideal source from which to analyse how these ideologies are replicated and disseminated to us. Although we will return the inequalities among different social groups in more depth next week, in this lesson we use gender to highlight how communication in the mass media operates. Please see 69-73 of the Textbook Watch the following two videos that explore how women (especially the ideologies of female and femininity) are represented in the media. When watching these, think especially about the possible implications these may have for “women” (especially in their early childhood development) in our society who are busy trying to develop their own identity and place in the world (e.g. “as a woman, how should I understand who I am and what my place in the world is? How should I think, act, etc.?”). Also think about how this may reflect the male view of femininity (compare with example 2.6. on p. 71 of the prescribed textbook) as well as the messages it provides men for how to treat and interact with women. Chapter 3-4 Culture, Power, Globalisation and inequality Chapter 3 Culture Inequality and consumption Chapter 4 SSCSA2-B44 2023 Page 72 of Textbook During this week we will be completing chapter 3 of the prescribed textbook by taking a closer look at the production and reproduction of inequality in society. Page 109 , 3.4 of Textbook. Following this, we will close off by exploring the increasingly important changes brought about in everyday life by consumption (our consumer society) as covered in chapter 4. Lesson 1: Culture and the Production and Reproduction of Inequality As you will be aware from last week, the prioritisation of the ideologies and hegemonic practices of those social groups in power play a significant role in the cultural manifestations of inequality. Cultural studies highlight these manifestations with respect to the variables of class, race and ethnicity, and gender in particular. In this lesson, we will explore in more detail how our cultural formations have contributed to such inequalities in contemporary society. Prescribed Reading: This lesson corresponds with pages 109-123 of your prescribed textbook. Time Allocation: You should spend approximately 90 minutes completing the activities in this lesson. Please watch these videos…we will go through this content throughout today’s lesson. Gillette: The Best Men Can Be: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=koPmuEyP3a0 Always: Run like a girl https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=XjJQBjWYDTs 19 Lesson 2: Consumption In closing off the week, we focus on consumption and its role in the development of society. This is a particularly useful concept to help us understand how society (especially as a result of capitalist ideology) has evolved into a consumer-based culture, characterised through fashion, shopping and advertising. Prescribed Reading: This lesson corresponds with pages 125-139 of your prescribed textbook. Time Allocation: You should spend approximately 30 minutes completing the activities in this lesson. Please watch these videos…we will go through this content throughout today’s lesson.  Chapter 4 Seminar exercises Working in groups, get the class to consider whether we are empowered or enslaved by consumption. Working in groups, get the class to consider to what extent and in what ways is shopping a form of leisure. Show the class the scene from the film The Devil Wears Prada where Miranda lectures Andy on her ‘lumpy blue sweater’. Then ask the class to consider if any of us can ever truly escape fashion. In groups, ask students to gather information on political events where social media has been attributed with playing a key role, such as the ‘Arab Spring’, Occupy Wall Street, or ‘Los Indignados’. Then, in their groups, ask them to explain to the rest of the class about the event they studied and the ways in which new media was used to illicit change and/or influence society. Consider if the Internet means that newspapers will eventually become extinct. In groups, ask students to consider the various ways numbers shape our lives.  Chapter 4 Revision Essay Questions 1. To what extent, and in what ways, could it be argued we are living in a ‘postpostmodern’ world (Kirby 2006)? 2. Critically consider the argument of Bauman’s (1998: 22) that ‘ours is a consumer society’. 3. Critically consider the argument that the ‘culture industry’ provides ‘something … for all so that none may escape’ (Adorno and Horkheimer 1972). 4. Critically discuss Bauman’s argument (1998: 26) that an individual ‘needs to be a consumer first, before one can think of becoming anything in particular’. 5. Critically consider the arguments that ‘there is Chapter 5 Topographies of Culture - Chapter 6 SSCSA2-B44 Chapter 5: Topographies of Culture 2021 Unit Overview One of the most significant areas of debate in cultural studies is over how to understand the nature and importance of space (cultural geography). During this week we explore the ways in which culture cannot be understood without significant attention to space, place, landscapes and social change (especially with regards to the meanings, and hence power, bound within them). Lesson 1: Cultural Geography If ‘culture’ refers to the meanings that are created within the social interactions of society, then cultural geography refers to how those meanings relate to, and are entangled within, the geographical notions of space, place and landscape. Of course, whenever we talk about cultural meaning we have to talk about power and representation. In other words, we have to explore who has the power to attribute meaning (and represent such meaning to us) to place, space and landscape. Watch the videos provided to learn more about the role cultural geography plays in culture. Prescribed Reading: This lesson corresponds with pages 191-202 of your prescribed textbook. 6.0-6.9 Time Allocation: You should spend approximately 60 minutes completing the activities in this lesson. What is Cultural Geography P194 Place names: Interaction, power and representation P194 Landscape representation P98 Page 202 Page 206 Lesson 2: Cultural Mobility and Hybridity Another interesting component of cultural geography includes the exploration of what happens when people move across space and place (bringing their cultural meanings and practices with them). As different social groups share space and interact with each other, a number of interesting dynamics tend to unfold. Cultural studies in particular highlights the role of power (e.g. between the cultural majority and the cultural minorities) as well as how these social groups influence each other over time. In many instances, this cultural intermingling results in the formation of completely new cultures and cultural identities that are neither purely one nor the other. They are cultural hybrids – a combination of both the majority culture as their culture of origin, including ideologies and discourses from both (such as Chinese American or African American cultures for example). Complete the activities below to learn more. Prescribed Reading: This lesson corresponds with pages 212-221 of your prescribed textbook. Time Allocation: You should spend approximately 60 minutes completing the activities in this lesson. Page 212 Page 221 Page 225 Chapter 7 Topographies of Culture - Chapter 6 SSCSA2-B44 2021 Politics & Culture Chapter 7  Unit overview In cultural studies, the concept of ‘politics’ has a two significant meanings. The first, what we can call ‘formal politics’, refers to what we would generally associate with the term – i.e. politicians, elections, parliament, governance, etc. The second term, ‘cultural politics’, on the other hand refers to the politics of everyday life (i.e. the power that is embedded within the meanings created in our everyday lives). In this week, we will explore both understandings of the term. In true cultural studies form, we will also evaluate how formal politics may in fact merely be a product of cultural politics.  Lesson 1: Cultural Politics In using this term, cultural studies is arguing that everything in our social and cultural lives is political, because everything in our lives is a matter of contested power relations. If you recount the postmodern theorists, you will remember that ‘truth’ (and meaning) lies in the creation of discourse (i.e. it is socially created). Hence what we are talking about hear is the production (or construction) of truth. The creation of truth (i.e. what becomes true) then lies in the contestation between various social groups for the power to determine the truth (remember our previous example about psychologists being the group in power to tell the rest of us what is sane and insane behaviour). This consequently means that all aspects of our lives become a political matter (i.e. of power relations). So then we can also speak of the politics of aspects such as gender, race, sexuality, etc. – the social constructs we use to build our very identity. Our very identities are thus the result of political actions. Complete the activities below to learn more. Prescribed Reading: This lesson corresponds with pages 232-269 of your prescribed textbook. Time Allocation: You should spend approximately 30 minutes completing the activities in this lesson. Read Introduction Page 232 Read 7.1 Cultural Politics and Political Culture Page 234 Lesson 2: Formal Politics For cultural studies theorists, formal politics are just as much a product of culture as our identities. In this regard, we can view formal politics as arenas of contestation based on the most prominent ideologies and influences within our culture at the time. Only this time, instead of ideologies of gender, race, sexuality, etc. (as with identity politics), we are influenced by ideologies such as globalisation, democracy, socialism, postcolonialism, etc. In many ways, formal politics is the ideal metaphor for understanding the main argument of cultural studies. Our societies are basically made up of a particular set of social groups (the political parties, e.g. ANC, EFF, etc.) that are jostling with each other (like in an election) in order to try and get their ideologies (their mode of governance) to become the predominant and most accepted ones in society (i.e. as the best way to structure and ‘run’ the society). Complete the activities below to learn more. Prescribed Reading: This lesson corresponds with pages 239-269 of your prescribed textbook. Time Allocation: You should spend approximately 90 minutes completing the activities in this lesson. The contestation for political power is particularly wound up in the processes of legitimation, representation and performance. In other words, in order to social groups (e.g. governments) to rule a society, they have to lay a legitimate claim to be the ‘true’ and authentic holders of power in that society (in the eyes of the people they rule). Doing so thus requires that that symbolically represent and enact (or perform) this position of legitimacy. For example, a political party may lay the claim of governance by winning an election (note the ideology of democracy here, as opposed to e.g. a King who may claim legitimacy by ‘divine right’). It members may then perform a number of roles (and identities) and rituals (e.g. parliament) related to this legitimacy as a means of representing the people. It is a form of hegemonic practice, that when we consent to allows these parties to claim rights of enforcement, taxation and administration over us. Read Page 239 Read pages 245 Read pages 254