English and Cultural Studies
"Cultural Studies offers study in the nature and criticism of culture and the arts—chiefly literature, film, visual art and popular culture. This interdisciplinary Bachelor of Arts degree program fosters inquiry into the social and political conditions in which thought and expression take place. Forms of cultural expression such as films, literature and paintings are thus analysed both as texts and as practices in context" (from the Cultural Studies homepage).
English and Cultural Studies are closely related disciplines. Several of our courses focus on or incorporate theories and approaches associated with cultural studies, and some of our faculty publish their research on topics such as film adaptations, fandom, television, and other media.
Several English courses can be counted towards a major or a minor in Cultural Studies. A full list of eligible English courses is on the Cultural Studies website. In 2012-2013, the English Department is offering the following courses that can be counted as credits in the Cultural Studies program:
English electives for the Cultural Studies major or minor, 2012-2013:
ENGL 2213: Contemporary Film
Fall term; half unit
Tuesday and Thursday 10:30-11:45
Instructor: TBA
An introduction to the basic techniques of the film art through a study of a wide range of contemporary films.
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ENGL 4407: Queer Theory
Winter term; half unit
Tuesday and Thursday 3:05-4:20
Instructor: Karen Macfarlane
Queer Theory examines the concepts, terms and texts that underpin the construction and representation of gay, lesbian, bisexual, trans and other identities that stand in a 'sideways' relation to heteronormative cultural codes, discourses and practices. Queer Theory is primarily an analysis of desire, but desire as it is framed within social definitions and limitations of 'normal'. It raises questions about epistemology (how we 'know') and ontology (how we live/embody) in discourses of, around and about sexuality. This course will focus on the discursive production of queer sexualities and then analyze its relation to claims of identity and to practices such as cross-dressing, writing and politics and performance. The focus in this course will be on active discussion of the texts at hand. As such, the focus is theoretical, critical and philosophical rather than sociological. Students are strongly encouraged to take ENGL 4408 (Critical Theory) before they take this course.
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ENGL 4408: Critical Theory
Fall term; half unit
Tuesday and Thursday 3:05-4:20
Instructor: Karen Macfarlane
This course is an overview of literary critical theory in which students will be introduced to the major figures, issues and debates in the field of literary critical theory. Some attention will be paid to the historical underpinnings of contemporary theoretical debates, but our focus will be on the movements of the latter part of the twentieth century. This course is recommended for Honours students.
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