Introduction to Cultural Studies

DST 203.OL Fall 2016 3 credits

Instructor: Jessica Murgel, MA

Email: jessica.murgel@gallaudet.edu
Office: SLCC 1236
Office Hours: M&W 10-11 am & By appointment
(Appointments can be made either to come to my office or to
meet via video chat.)
Barbara Kruger

COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course investigates how culture shapes the way people see the world. Students will explore cultural
readings and examine various texts around us to understand how culture, identity and history frame
experiences. Traditional courses in cultural studies assume that the meanings in this world are central in
creating us individually and collectively. Students will examine how culture transmits a view of the world
and power through critical analysis.
COURSE STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
After completing this course, students will be able to:
1. To understand the general definition of culture.
2. To explore the evolutions of various ideologies.
3. To comprehend how we come to understand culture today.
DEAF STUDIES UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
Graduates from the BA program in Deaf Studies will be able to:
1. Demonstrate knowledge of the multiplicity of deaf peoples lives within the United States &
internationally.
2. Engage in critical inquiry into changing ideological construction of deaf people, sign language, and
normalcy from cultural, geographical, sociological & human rights perspectives.
3. Develop research skills to produce & to present effective written & signed research projects using
various media in academic discourse related to the interdisciplinary field of Deaf Studies, incorporating
principles of academic integrity.
GALLAUDET UNIVERSITY UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT LEARNING OUTCOMES
https://www.gallaudet.edu/Documents/Academic/EMGS/Gallaudet_Student_Learning_Outcomes.pdf
1. Language & Communication
2. Critical Thinking
3. Identity & Culture
4. Knowledge & Inquiry
5. Ethics & Social Responsibility
REQUIRED COURSE MATERIALS
Storey, John. Cultural Theory and Popular Culture: An Introduction (Seventh Edition). New
York: Routledge, 2015.
We will cover Chapters 1, 4, 6-8 of this text, which will in some cases be used as a supplement
to primary texts that will be assigned throughout the semester.
All other readings/videos will be available on Weebly.

COURSE READING & ASSIGNMENT SCHEDULE

WEEK
Week One

Week Two

Week Three

Week Four

Week Five

Week Six

Week Seven

READING/VIEWING
DUE
History of Cultural Studies
Introduction Video
Why Theory? pages 1-6 from The Theory
First Definition Essay
Toolbox, Nealon and Giroux
Allegory of the Cave, from Platos Republic
Popular Culture
Blackboard Discussion Posting
Read Chapter One: What is popular culture?
pages 1-16 from Storey, Introduction
Watch Ryan Commersons Media in RAW Deaf
Studies Digital Journal. Commentary Section, Issue
1, 2009. http://www.dsdj.gallaudet.edu
Read People Magazine:
http://www.people.com/article/nyle-dimarco-deafstar-dancing-stars-i-have-never-wanted-to-hear
Marxism & Ideology
Blackboard Discussion Posting
Read Marx and Engels, Ruling Class and Ruling
Ideas, pages 68-69 from Storey, Reader
Watch Robert Sirvages Marxism in RAW Deaf
Studies Digital Journal. Commentary Section, Issue
1, 2009. http://www.dsdj.gallaudet.edu
Watch Clip from Charlie Chaplins Modern Times
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N4sjKJvUia0
Optional: Chapter Four Marxisms pages 61-93
from Storey, Introduction
The Linguistic Turn
Midterm Paper
Read Chapter Six: Structuralism and poststructuralism pages 116-131 from Storey,
Introduction
Saussure, Course in General Linguistics, pages 6-17
Post-Structuralism
Blackboard Discussion Posting
Read Chapter Six: Structuralism and post Final Paper Abstract
structuralism pages 131-138 from Storey,
Introduction
Read Chris Weedon, Feminism & the Principles of
Poststructuralism pages 354-366 from Storey,
Reader
Postcolonialism
Blackboard Discussion Posting
Said, Orientalism, pages 87-91 from The PostColonial Studies Reader
Paddy Ladds Colonialism and Resistance: A Brief
History of Deafhood, pages 42-59 from Open Your
Eyes: Deaf Studies Talking
Critical Race Theory
Second Definition Essay
Kimberl Crenshaw, Mapping the Margins:
Intersectionality, Identity Politics, and Violence
Against Women of Color

Week Eight

Optional: Interview of Crenshaw:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ROwquxC_Gxc
Gender Studies

Read Judith Butlers Imitation and Gender

Insubordination pages 255-267 from Storey, Reader
Read Chapter Seven: Gender and sexuality, pages
140-173 from Storey, Introduction

Final Paper

ASSIGNMENTS
Introduction Video: Please post a 30-45 second video on Blackboard, introducing yourself to the class. Please
include your name, major, year (e.g. sophomore, junior), what you would like to do after you graduate, and a
fun fact about yourself.
Definition Essay: Before the second week, you are to turn in a 500 word written essay or a two minute video,
answering the following questions: 1) What is cultural studies? 2) What is theory? 3) What is ideology? These
are your own definitions and explanations. You should not consult any texts or thinkers to answer these
questions. At the end of the semester, you will answer the same questions but this time you must engage the
texts (readings and/or viewings) of the semester. You need not have changed your initial definitions, but you
should at least be able to situate your own views prior to the course within the material we have discussed
throughout the semester. This time your essays should be 700-1000 words or a 3-5 minute signed video.
Blackboard Discussion Postings: You will have weekly assignments based on readings and videos that must be
posted online in addition to two definition essays, midterm, and final. Your assignments will consist of
answering discussion questions and participating in online discussion forums. In order to receive full credit for a
posting, you must:

Post a response to discussion question, which includes references to the texts

Generate at least one question you have from that weeks readings (which can build on the weeks prior)
And comment on two or more classmates postings which can be an analysis of their comments or an
answer to their questions, based on your understanding of the texts

Postings will begin on Mondays. You must post your first comments by midnight EST on Thursdays. You
must be done posting for the week by midnight EST on Sundays.
Midterm Paper: For this assignment, you will focus on a particular issue that has come up thus far in the
course based on our reading and discussion of a text. Your thesis will announce this topic clearly and your
essay will show why this topic mattered in the larger context of the book and why you would like to pursue
further discussion on this topic.
In general, you should try to keep a few themes in mind as you begin to read or watch any text. Your
preliminary list of themes will certainly shift but this initial approach will allow you to have a critical angle and
help you prepare for your reaction paper. For instance, if you already have an interest in the question of
language, power, authority, or ideology, try to make a note in the margin of the text as you read along.
You should learn to create your own little index of notes, particularly if you continue to make them in the
margins. For instance, you could keep track of about five to ten themes, and, after every class, you could add the
page number and perhaps a very brief comment to your index. As you start thinking about your reaction paper,
you could briefly reread those passages. If, for example, you wish to write about the question of power, you can
consult your index and see how often it occurs throughout the text. If you have at least a few occurrences, then
quickly re-read those particular passages together and see if there is a common thread; there often is. (This is
also a beneficial habit to develop as you post on Blackboard weekly to discussion questions.)

The next step is to consider what you have to say about it. Do you find, to go back to our example, that the issue
of gender was interesting in this book? If so, try to briefly justify it. Your justification should be twofold. First,
see how that question fits within the book in general, (which requires citations). Second, see why this question
matters to you as in, what is the significance of pursuing this topic or question?
The midterm should be at least 1000 words or a four to five minute video. You may go up to 1200 words, but I
encourage you to stay concise, and make sure that every sentence written or signed is imperative to your
argument. You may choose to do a written paper OR an ASL video. However, whatever you choose for the
midterm, you must use the other language for your final. If you turned in a typed essay for your midterm, I will
expect the final to be an ASL video and vice versa.
Final Paper: This assignment will consist of two parts: 1. Abstract 2. Essay/Video. Most importantly, you
should pursue a topic or question that matters to you that we have touched on throughout the texts of the
semester. You will submit an abstract to me in order to make sure that you are on the right track. That abstract
should be a summary of what you intend to write about, in addition to a list of sources that you plan to include.
You may pursue an interest or question that you unpack through the lens of any one topic that was covered
throughout the course of the semester. If you have questions about what that might look like, please be in touch
with me ahead of time so you can spend time developing your ideas. Keep in mind that this paper will build on
that which you have thought about and written about throughout the course of the semester, so you need not
have a completely original idea at the very end of the semester. This assignment (in addition to the midterm) is
kept open such that you have the ability to be creative and enjoy writing about your topic. If you write a paper,
it should be at least 2000 words, and if you do a video, it should be 8-10 minutes.
GRADING & RUBRICS
ASSIGNMENT
First Definition Paper/Video
Blackboard Discussion Postings
Midterm Paper/Video
Final Abstract
Second Definition Paper/Video
Final Paper/Video

POINTS
10
40 (10x4)
50
10
10
100

Your assignments will be graded using the following rubrics (the first three can be found here
http://www.gallaudet.edu/office-of-academic-quality/assessment-office/assessment-of-student-learningoutcomes/gu-syllabus-checklist-and-rubrics.html and the fourth is listed below):

Gallaudet University Writing Rubric

Gallaudet University Critical Thinking Rubric
Gallaudet University Presentation Rubric
Discussion Board Comment Rubric

ACCEPTABLE

UNACCEPTABLE

SUBSTANCE
Comment is related to the previous
posters ideas and offers substantial
(reference to the text) reflection
and analysis.
Comment is unrelated to the
previous posters ideas and offers
little if any reflection or analysis.

LENGTH
3 or more sentences

Less than 3 sentences

POLICIES & PROCEDURES

Attendance & Participation:
This course will entail substantial discussion and activities, thus regular online attendance is mandatory
Because this course is online, we do not track attendance per se, but you are expected to participate in
online forums, postings, and complete your assignments on a regular, timely basis
If you have any problems or questions with any portion of the course (i.e. assignments, accessing online
pages, etc.), please contact the instructor immediately. Do not wait until the last minute.
Due dates & submitting assignments: All assignments must be submitted (on Blackboard and emailed to the
instructor) by midnight EST on the due date as specified in the course schedule (unless otherwise indicated). All
late assignments will be penalized one grade level and must be turned in within a week of the original due date
in order to be graded. The midterm and final exam will not be accepted late. It is your responsibility to turn
work in on time; if you need extra help or feedback, it is your responsibility to get it before the due date.
All written papers must:

Be typed and use a 12-point standard font

Follow a consistent citation style (Chicago, APA or MLA)
Include your name, date, class, and should use a running header with your last name and page number
for papers 2 pages and up
Be clearly articulated and follow English grammatical rules

All videos must:

Use appropriate background, clothing, and lighting

Frame the signer appropriately for clarity
Use references that follow a consistent citation style (Chicago, APA or MLA) that is reflected in text, on
screen
Be clearly articulated and follow ASL grammatical rules

Communication: Communication is a two-way street. First, make sure that you check your Gallaudet email
regularly as that will be how I communicate information with you. If you have a question or unsure about
something, first check the syllabus and/or Blackboard. If you are still unsure, please be in touch with me by
email, and Im happy to answer your questions that way or if you set up an appointment to videochat. Note that
I will attempt to answer all emails within a 48-hour period from Monday through Friday.
Academic Integrity: As per the University Catalog, cheating, fabrication, and plagiarism are grounds for
academic disciplinary action, including suspension and expulsion. If there are questions or concerns about
academic integrity issues, please approach me before submitting your work. Please see the following link for
more information about Gallaudets policy: https://www.gallaudet.edu/academic-catalog/registration-andpolicies/undergraduate-policies/academic-integrity.html Note that going to English Works! for tutoring or help
with your papers is not cheating; it is also all right to have a friend read your papers or provide feedback as long
as you are the one that writes the paper and revises based on the feedback.
Students with Disabilities: If you are a student with a disability, please communicate with the Office for
Students with Disabilities (OSWD) about accommodations at the beginning of the semester. Please also
communicate directly with me so that we can make sure that your needs are met. See the following link for
more information about OSWD: http://www.gallaudet.edu/oswd-the-office-for-students-with-disabilities.html
Incompletes: A grade of Incomplete (INC) is given when a portion of a student's required coursework has not

been completed & evaluated at the end of the semester dueto illness, or other unforeseen, but fully justified
reasons, and earning credit is still possible.
In this case, the INC form including required supporting documentation & signatures must be submitted to the
registrar's office before the last day of classes. An incomplete grade for poor, incomplete, or failing work, or
willful non-attendance of class will not be granted.
Students with an INC grade must complete the coursework & receive a grade by the end of the seventh week of
the following traditional semester. Otherwise, the "INC" grade automatically becomes an "F".
The time for removing an incomplete grade may be extended one time. The student must petition for an
extension prior to the deadline following the reported incomplete with the approval of the course instructor,
academic advisor & dean of the school in which the student is enrolled.
Withdrawals: If you wish to withdraw from class, please contact the Registrars office immediately. Please
note the University has rules about class attendance, which also include online classes. To check your states
withdrawal/refund policy, please look here: http://www.gallaudet.edu/finance-office/student-financialservices/refund-policy.html