Faculty: INSTITUTE OF GRADUATE PGROGRAMS This major provides a comprehensive understanding of the principles and practices of culture studies, focusing on the analysis of cultural phenomena, identities, and practices across societies. Students will explore key areas such as cultural theory, media studies, globalization, and the intersection of culture with politics, economics, and technology. The program emphasizes critical thinking, interdisciplinary research, and cultural awareness to prepare students for careers in academia, media, cultural organizations, and public policy. **Learning Objectives:** - Understand the fundamental concepts and theories of culture studies. - Develop skills in analyzing cultural texts, practices, and identities. - Learn techniques for interpreting the role of culture in shaping societies. - Explore the impact of globalization, media, and technology on cultural dynamics. - Understand the intersection of culture with politics, economics, and social issues. - Analyze challenges and opportunities in cultural preservation and representation. - Develop research and communication skills for engaging with diverse cultural contexts. **Major Outline:** 1. **Introduction to Culture Studies** - Overview of culture studies, its history, and its interdisciplinary nature. 2. **Cultural Theory and Criticism** - Study of key theories and thinkers in cultural studies (e.g., Stuart Hall, Michel Foucault). - Techniques for analyzing cultural texts and practices. 3. **Media and Popular Culture** - Exploration of the role of media in shaping cultural narratives and identities. - Techniques for analyzing films, television, music, and digital media. 4. **Globalization and Cultural Exchange** - Impact of globalization on cultural practices, identities, and economies. - Techniques for understanding cross-cultural interactions and hybridity. 5. **Cultural Identities and Representation** - Study of race, gender, class, and sexuality in cultural contexts. - Techniques for examining representation and power dynamics in culture. 6. **Cultural Heritage and Preservation** - Principles of conserving and promoting cultural heritage. - Techniques for addressing challenges in cultural preservation. 7. **Culture and Politics** - Role of culture in political movements, nationalism, and social change. - Techniques for analyzing the intersection of culture and power. 8. **Digital Culture and Technology** - Impact of digital technologies on cultural production and consumption. - Techniques for studying online communities and digital artifacts. 9. **Research Methods in Culture Studies** - Principles of qualitative and quantitative research in cultural analysis. - Techniques for conducting fieldwork, interviews, and archival research. 10. **Capstone Research Project** - In-depth research project on a specific cultural topic or case study. - Techniques for delivering a comprehensive and original scholarly contribution. **Assessment Methods:** - Research papers and essays on cultural theory and analysis. - Presentations and critiques of cultural texts and practices. - Participation in seminars and group discussions. - Final capstone project and defense. **Recommended Textbooks:** - "Cultural Studies: Theory and Practice" by Chris Barker and Emma A. Jane. - "The Cultural Studies Reader" edited by Simon During. - "Media, Culture, and Society: An Introduction" by Paul Hodkinson. - "Globalization and Culture" by John Tomlinson. **Prerequisites:** No prior experience required, but an interest in culture, media, and society is recommended. Suitable for students in humanities, social sciences, and related fields. **Major Duration:** Typically 3-4 years, including research projects and seminars. **Certification:** Graduates may receive a degree in Culture Studies or a related field, depending on the program and institution. **Target Audience:** Aspiring cultural analysts, researchers, educators, and professionals seeking to explore and interpret the complexities of culture in a globalized world. This major equips students with the critical thinking, research, and analytical skills needed to engage with diverse cultural contexts and contribute to the understanding and preservation of cultural practices and identities.