SoSe 18: PS-Introduction to Cultural Studies II: Thing Cultures
Sabine Schülting
Comments
The seminar will offer an introduction to the expanding field of Material Cultural Studies and Thing Theory, which have shifted the focus of cultural analysis from texts to the world of things. They have challenged the commonsense notion that ‘things’ represent “the most ‘pure’ form of objectivity” (Mieke Bal). Instead Material Culture Studies posit that material objects acquire (and change) their meanings in specific historical and cultural contexts, while in turn contributing to the construction of individual and collective identities. Seminar discussions will be concerned with important theoretical approaches to material objects and explore a variety of questions: the function of things/objects in literary texts, textual and visual representations of material culture, the complex relationships between subject and object, and the contribution of material culture to the constitution of social identities and communities. In addition we will analyse a number of specific (types of) objects and related cultural practices in more detail, including fashion, interior design and museum culture.
Texts: Texts will be made available on Blackboard.
Assessment will be on the basis of regular attendance, active participation in all classroom activities, and an essay of c. 2000 words.
close13 Class schedule
Regular appointments