Introduction to Cultural Studies

The lecture offers an introductory overview of theoretical approaches and topics relevant for British cultural studies. While the meaning of 'culture' may seem to be quite evident at first glance, even the slightest probing underneath the surface reveals that it is not. As Raymond Williams, one of the most influential founding figures of British cultural studies, famously pointed out: "Culture is one of the two or three most complicated words in the English language." (Keywords, 1976). It is thus necessary to get a grip on some of the dominant but potentially competing conceptions of 'culture' – which in turn depends on an understanding of how its meanings have developed historically – before engaging with other concepts that contribute to its semantic scope: identity/difference, representation, gender, race/ethnicity, place/space, cultural memory and many others. The discussion of theory will be complemented by a brief overview of British history (from 1500) and an introduction to the British political system.

Tutorials:

The topics dealt with in the lecture are recapitulated and deepened in optional tutorials (see information below).

Personal attendance during the first session is mandatory to maintain enrolment status.
Please direct all inquiries about vacancies to britkult.fragen.fk15tu-dortmundde.

Complementary reading (available at the library):

Giles, Judy and Tim Middleton. Studying Culture: A Practical Introduction. 2nd ed., Wiley-Blackwell, 2008. [Zentralbibliothek: L CA 366/2]

Other texts you are required to read will be announced in the first session.

End-of-term written test (Klausur).