Sociology of Culture, 7.5 credits

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 some emphasis on the cultural studies tradition and the key concepts of cultural studies such as representation, ideology and discourse. Themes such as the media, popular culture, consumption, gender, and the body, are examined.

Expected learning outcomes

On successful completion of the course, the student will: • be able to conduct theoretically-grounded analyses of media texts and images • have an understanding of how notions of sex and gender shape the ways in which the social world is described and defined • be familiar with debates within the sociology of consumption and the sociology of the body.

Required Knowledge

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.

Examination modes

The course is examined through individual writing tasks and oral presentations. In order to be awarded a “pass” grade for the course as a whole, the student must successfully complete all the examined tasks, as well as attend all the compulsory sessions. To be awarded a “pass with merit” grade for the course as a whole, the student must gain the grade “pass with merit” in more than half of the examined work. International students will be graded in accordance with the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). Examination based on this syllabus cannot be guaranteed after two years from the start of the course. Academic credit transfer 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/examensfrågor.html