Established by: Head of Department of Sociology, 2018-11-06
Contents
The aim of the course is to provide an introduction to the sociology of culture. The course discusses the theoretical origins of the sociology of culture, as well how the sociology of culture can contribute to an understanding of contemporary cultural phenomena and their particular expressions. The course places a certain emphasis on the cultural studies tradition and its key concepts and debates. Analytical examples from the media and popular culture are examined.
Expected learning outcomes
On successful completion of the course, the student will: - have an understanding of the history and formation of cultural studies and the sociology of culture as an academic field (key theories, landmark studies, etc.) - be able to conduct theoretically-grounded analyses of media texts and images.
Required Knowledge
General entry requirements
Form of instruction
The course content is delivered through lectures and seminars. Attendance at all seminars is compulsory, as several of the examined components – in the form of group and individual work – take place during these. The student is also required to complete a number of written tasks of varying size during the course. These include one relatively substantial analytical essay, which counts for half the course marks; and a number of shorter reports of a more descriptive nature.
This course is given in English.
Examination modes
The course is examined through individual writing tasks and oral presentations.
The grading scale for this course is: Pass with merit; Pass; Fail. Attendance at the compulsory seminars is required in order to be eligible for a ”pass” grade for the course as a whole. To be awarded a “pass with distinction” grade for the course as a whole, the student must gain the grade “pass with merit” in more than half of the examined work.
Grading decisions are based on an assessment of the individual student’s performance. In case of a student being awarded a “fail” grade, she or he has the right to be re-examined in a form and at a time agreed upon in consultation with the examiner.
Students have the right to be re-examined up to five times per course. Examination and supplementary examination based on the syllabus outlined here can be guaranteed for up to two years after the start of the course. If a student is awarded a “fail” grade on at least two consecutive attempts of the examination of the course or course component, she or he has the right to request a new examiner. The director of studies should be consulted in such circumstances.
Other regulations
Decisions relating to academic credit transfers are made on a case-by-case basis. For further information about this contact the study advisor. See also Umeå University’s set of rules and academic transfer regulations. www.umu.se/studentcentrum/regler_riktlinjer/regelsamlingen/examensfragor.html
Literature
Valid from:
2020 week 1
Course literature
The literature of the course is valid from week 4 2013 until week 44 2015.
The literature of the course is being revised and will be announced later.
Thinking sociologically Bauman Zygmunt, May Tim 2. ed. : Malden, Mass. : Blackwell Publishers : 2001 : viii, 198 s. : ISBN: 0-631-21928-5 (alk. paper) ; CIP entry Mandatory Search the University Library catalogue
Storey John Cultural theory and popular culture : an introduction 5. ed. : New York : Pearson Education : 2009 : 266 s. : ISBN: 978-1-4058-7409-0 Mandatory Search the University Library catalogue
