2009 Course Handbook
CUL209: The Cultural Studies of Work
Work has traditionally been studied from economic and sociological perspectives. But work is also a cultural issue. The aim of this unit will be to look at three ways in which culture and work intersect. This unit will begin by considering the ways that work has been represented in a range of media and cultural forms, from photography and lifestyle magazines, to docu-soaps and make-over shows. What (and whose) work is made visible and valued in these texts? We all hope that our work will be 'meaningful'. How do these representations of work reveal and shape the meaning of work? In the second part of the unit, we will consider how contemporary cultures of work condition how we appear to other people. How does work shape our individual subjectivity and identity? The final part of the unit will focus more specifically on work within media, cultural and creative industries. What is the relationship between creativity, entertainment and work? In an age where both work and entertainment see us propped in front of computer screens, when exercise is no longer recreation but a place for timing, measuring and rating our achievements, is the distinction between work and pleasure disappearing? We will ask whether media, culture and the manipulation of information form an increasingly central part of work in the modern world. How can the theoretical frames and critical questions of cultural studies be used in the workplace? As part of their final project, students will undertake an interview with a media and cultural studies graduate, or someone working in cultural and creative industries, to help them reflect on the role of culture and cultural studies in work.
| Credit Points: | 4 |
| Contact Hours: | 3 |
| When Offered: | D1 - Day; Offered in the first half-year |
| Staff Contact: | Dr Nicole Matthews |
| Prerequisites: | CUL100 or CUL101 |
| Corequisites: | |
| NCCWs: | |
| Unit Designations: | -- |
| Assessed As: | Graded |
| Offered By: |
Department of Media, Music and Cultural Studies |
Timetable Information
For unit timetable information please visit the Timetables@Macquarie Website.