Course Descriptions

This course examines the principles, concepts and theories central to Cultural Studies. We will examine such topics as how cultures make meaning through representational systems, challenges to hierarchies of cultural value, theoretical foundations of Cultural Studies, and social movements (feminism, critical race studies, post-colonialism, gender studies, etc.) that have helped create the theoretical body of work central to Cultural Studies. This course will also attend to contemporary concerns within the field such as the effects of globalization, techno-cultural studies and more. This course requires significant critical thinking skills and demands that students apply theories and concepts to specific case studies, cultural artifacts and texts. Hence, this course is not recommended for first year students.

Students gain an overview of a variety of methodologies used to examine literary texts, artistic forms and discursive practices that reflect and produce a society's culture. Students examine historical and contemporary case studies from areas such as the visual arts, music, video, film, literature, religion, myth, ritual and theatre. 
Prerequisite: CLST 2315

This course is an introduction to interdisciplinary work in the arts and humanities. It presents an eclectic range of questions from fields such as literature, art, theater, music, philosophy, history, religious studies, linguistics, and cultural studies. The courses affirms the diversity of effective tactics for answering questions, solving problems, and exploring new territory within these disciplines and it sets special emphasis on the creative traffic between them. The course, which is both a reflective and an experiential inquiry in the essence and value of a liberal arts education, in intended not only for majors in the arts and humanities. In accord with a cardinal virtue of the UIW Mission –the education of the whole person—the course is recommended for students in any field.
This course may substitute for CLST 2320.

This course provides an opportunity for students to synthesize the interdisciplinary nature of their course of studies. Students will work to apply the methods and theories of Cultural Studies to the CLST-approved electives they are taking. This is a one-hour course to be taken for three semesters.
Prerequisite: CLST 2315

Students have an opportunity to synthesize the interdisciplinary nature of their course of studies. Students apply the methods and theories of Cultural Studies to the CLST-approved electives in which they are enrolled. 
Prerequisite: CLST 2315, CLST 3110

Students have an opportunity to synthesize the interdisciplinary nature of their course of studies. Students apply the methods and theories of Cultural Studies to the CLST-approved electives in which they are enrolled.
Prerequisite: CLST 2315, CLST 3110, CLST 3115

Students explore a variety of theoretical approaches to the study of culture, including visual theory, literary theory and performance theory. Students focus on the contexts in which these cultural representations are produced and in which they circulate. Students investigate how visual, textual and performative discourses create and contest social borders, replicate cultures and negotiate power dynamics. Students examine case studies from the fine and performing arts, film, literary texts, advertising, etc.
Prerequisite: PHIL1381 AND CLST 2315

This course provides an opportunity for students to synthesize the interdisciplinary nature of their course of studies. By utilizing the methods and theories defined and developed in their previous course work, students will demonstrate mastery of concepts and skills acquired in their major.
Prerequisite: CLST 2315, CLST 2320, CLST 3110, CLST 3115, CLST 3325

This course requires students to synthesize the disciplinary nature of Cultural Studies through a meta-analysis of their coursework in the discipline. By utilizing the methods and theories defined and developed in their previous work, students will demonstrate a high mastery of concepts and skills acquired in their major.
Prerequisite: CLST 2315, CLST 2320, CLST 3110, CLST 3115, CLST 3325

Students will investigate an issue of topic of interest to the field of Cultural Studies. Topics may vary each semester. May be repeated for credit.