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Hello all — the readings/viewings due for next week are as follows:
- “Why Theory?” p. 1-9, TT (Theory Toolbox)
- “Popular Signs: Or, Everything You Always Knew About American Culture (but
Nobody Asked)”, p. 1- 15, SOL (Signs of Life) — handed out in class, but the book is now available in the bookstore for purchase. - View: Encode This Decode That
Please consider the following questions (below) as you read. You do not have to answer any specific set of questions listed below, and you are also free to write about something else that takes your attention, but your discussion about each reading should be thoughtful and critical, paying particular attention to the themes or major ideas presented within both readings.
Be sure to address BOTH readings, and also engage in a discussion with your student colleagues. Do not merely repeat what another student writes, but rather discuss your own thoughts as they relate to those of others. When appropriate, be sure to provide examples, either textual or contextual (examples outside of the readings). If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email me.
1) What examples can you provide, personal or otherwise, in which the use of theory might prove useful? Explain why.
2) In what ways do the readings emphasize some of what we last discussed in class? What new ideas or thoughts are presented that were not discussed in the last class?
3) After reading the Introduction to Popular Signs, give an example of a cultural artifact that potentially blurs the boundaries between high and low cultures? Explain how your artifact does this.
4) What is your understanding of “signs” of culture? In other words, what is a “sign” and what do signs mean for our understanding of culture/s? What examples might you provide that are not provided already by the text?
5) Explain what you believe is the significance of the title “Encode This Decode That” after watching the video. How does the video relate to the readings and/or discussions we had in class?
* Again, if something else takes your attention that you would like to discuss, please feel free to do so. I might interject comments of my own as responses are posted, to help you blog and share ideas with others.
Students: Welcome to the Introduction to Cultural Studies Class Blog! Click here to view your syllabus and course description (a permanent link is posted under “Blogroll” on the side).
Every week, you will be expected to blog here. Assignments for response will be posted weekly (with the exception of weeks in which essays or presentations are due). Please respond to each assignment by clicking on the “comments” link (until someone posts the first comment, it’ll read “no comments”). The assignments will vary – between responses to your readings, class discussions, various cultural artifacts, and so forth. So be sure that you check this blog before each and every class!
I expect you to also engage your fellow classmates in discussions. Be sure to read the comments that precede yours so that you are not merely reiterating a point that has already been made, but are rather adding to, enriching, and expanding the discussion that is taking place.
I am more concerned about quality of writing than quantity. In other words, I will not ask that you write a certain length or amount, but am rather more interested that your responses are critical, thoughtful, and relevant to that week’s topic.
In order to receive credit, you must put your first name on all posts and enter the email address to which you want to receive your grades for each post. I respond to all posts via email to whatever email address you enter, with grades, so be sure to enter the email address you use most often.
Adding additional resources and comments will be looked upon favorably, when the time comes to turn in final grades, and could be particularly useful for those who may need an extra boost at the end of the semester (hint, hint). HOWEVER, adding websites and resources WILL NOT replace your required weekly journal responses. If you are experiencing problems with this online discussion board, please inform me immediately.
* If, after your first or second posting, you do not see your blog post right away, it’s because it has probably gone into moderation (for me to approve), so don’t panic. After a few postings, the blog will then begin to automatically accept your posts without the need for moderator approval.
