Communications Studies (COMS) 441 - Lecture 02
Cultural Studies in Communications
Winter 2007
MWF 11:00-11:50  

Instructor:	Mr. Josh Heuman
Office Location:	SS347
Office Phone:	220-3239
E-Mail:	jheuman@ucalgary.ca
Web Page:
Office Hours:	M 12:15-13:15 by notification, and by appointment

Course Description

This course offers an advanced introduction to contemporary cultural-studies scholarship, through a survey of its development and continuing transformation within the broader field of cultural analysis. The course traces the historical arguments that have defined cultural studies’ approach to popular culture in society, with an emphasis on how those arguments shape contemporary understandings of popular culture.

Objectives of the Course

You should leave this course with an appreciation for what’s at stake in contemporary popular culture, as well as for what’s at stake in how it’s understood. You should have a working understanding of the field of cultural analysis, and of the place of cultural studies within it. You should be able to evaluate different theoretical and methodological positions in arguments about popular culture, and the different ways they produce knowledge about popular culture. And among those different positions, you should be able to find your own voice, in which to participate in informed conversation about popular culture in society.

Textbooks and Readings:

Readings are collected in a course packet available at Bound and Copied in the Student Union.

Assignments and Evaluation

It is the student's responsibility to keep a copy of each submitted assignment.

Participation: 4%

In-class culture labs (9 Feb, 14 Mar, 2 Apr, 13 Apr; 4 @ 5%): 20%

Homework assignments (19 Jan, 5 Mar, 26 Mar; 2/3@ 10%): 20%

Group presentation (dates by signup): 10%

Final paper—informal proposal (due no later than 21 Mar): 1%

Final paper (due at final exam): 25%

Final exam (scheduled by registrar): 20%

*

Participation: 4%.

In-class culture labs (9 Feb, 14 Mar, 2 Apr, 13 Apr; 4 @ 5%): 20%. In small groups, you’ll discuss and answer a series of questions asking you to synthesize and apply recent course material (like an open-book, open-note, short-essay group quiz).

Homework assignments (19 Jan, 5 Mar, 26 Mar; 2/3 @ 10%): 20%. In short homework assignments oriented toward class discussion, you’ll explore different questions of popular culture in society (usually on the Web), and analyze and evaluate what you find in an informal report.

Group presentation (dates by signup): 10%. In a group of four, you’ll present a 10–15-minute case study that illustrates and develops a topic from readings and lectures (and distribute a one-page informal outline and bibliography of your presentation). Schedule for group presentations: *Mass culture and moral panics (24 Jan); *Subcultures and society (28 Feb); *Media fandoms (7 Mar); *Policing culture (21 Mar); *Globalization in translation (9 Apr). Guidelines for group presentations: *Your time is short; use it well, and make it yours (start from a focused set of main ideas, and pursue them with ruthless editorial discretion, without any drift toward facts of questionable value); *Substance counts more than style, but style counts (organize and deliver your material unto others as you would have them organize and deliver unto you); *Your case study might be original, adapted from existing scholarship, or some combination of the two; both carry advantages and disadvantages; *Beware of technology; *Check in with me along the way!

Final project (informal proposal no later than 21 Mar; final paper due at final exam): 26%. In an 8–11 page final research paper, you’ll pursue in depth some problem of cultural analysis. In conversation with existing scholarship, your paper should develop an original argument, which bears the stamp of your own substantive engagement. Topic and approach are left to your choice, but choose thoughtfully, mindful of scope, researchability, and your own interests. Revisiting prior work might be acceptable, with prior approval; in whole or in part, unapproved multiple submission represents a form of academic dishonesty, and will be treated as such. An informal proposal asks for three paper topics of interest, with brief explanations. A formal proposal asks for a provisional plan for the paper (thesis and main points), as well as a report on progress and prospects in research. Earlier submission of proposals and earlier discussion leading up to proposals are strongly encouraged, and proposal due dates should be treated as the eleventh hours. More guidelines for the proposals and paper will be discussed and distributed in class.

Final exam (scheduled by registrar): 20%: …and at the end of it all, you’ll take a final exam.

Registrar-scheduled Final Examination: Yes

Please note: If your class is held in the evening, the Registrar's Office will make every attempt to schedule the final exam during the evening; however, there is NO guarantee that the exam will NOT be scheduled during the day.

Policy for Late Assignments

Late work will be accepted only at my discretion, with a grade penalty for each day late (e.g., A- to B+). No work will be accepted outside of class without my prior approval.

Writing Skills Statement

Faculty policy directs that all written assignments will be evaluated on the basis of writing skills (see the Writing Across the Curriculum Statement at http://www.ucalgary.ca/pubs/calendar/current/How/How_FB.htm)—not only on points of grammar, but also on points of style like clarity, organization, flow of ideas. Especially when dealing with complicated material, style matters: Revise your written work, peer edit, and see the tutors in the Writing Centre (SS110, 220–7255).

Grading System

The following grading system is used in the Faculty of Communication and Culture:

A+ (96-100); A (92-95); A- (86-91); B+ (81-85); B (77-80); B- (71-76);
C+ (65-70); C (62-64); C- (59-61); D+ (55-58); D (50-54); F (0-49)

 

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is a serious offense, treated seriously by the University, by our Faculty, and in this course (see http://www.ucalgary.ca/pubs/calendar/current/How/How_LB.htm). Penalties for plagiarism will always exceed a failing grade on the plagiarized work. When you borrow someone else’s words, images, or ideas, whether in direct quotation or paraphrase, you must acknowledge the borrowing, with a specific citation and on a list of references, and you must distinguish clearly between where the borrowing ends and where your own work begins. If you’re not sure about a citation question, ask!

Students with Disabilities

If you are a student with a disability who may require academic accommodation, it is your responsibility to register with the Disability Resource Centre (220-8237) and discuss your needs with your instructor no later than fourteen (14) days after the start of the course.

Students' Union

For details about the current Students' Union contacts for the Faculty of Communication and Culture see www.comcul.ucalgary.ca/info

"SAFEWALK" Program -- 220-5333

Campus Security will escort individuals day or night -- call 220-5333 for assistance. Use any campus phone, emergency phone or the yellow phone located at most parking lot booths.

Schedule of Lectures and Readings

To be handed out in class.