Cultural studies: society, politics and utopia

This course explores the concepts of society and politics as central and inspiring aspects of historical and contemporary creative practice. The course looks at creative art’s position within a social and political context, and encourages students to think critically about the artist’s role(s) within the world and how their practice and work can contribute to, disturb, disrupt, enhance, or uphold social and political ideologies. Through exploring historical and contemporary theories and works that draw on identity politics, propaganda, activist, and interventionist practices, students will be encouraged to situate themselves within their own ideological, social, and political contexts and reflect on how their work impacts on and in the world. This course is ideal for those developing work that concerns social or political themes or aspirations.

The course will draw ideas from a range of subject areas including cultural and political theory, political philosophy, art history, sociology, media studies and communication theories. Case studies and examples include looking at historical and contemporary political art; media representations and political propaganda; artists and photographers who explore social status and class; creative social activism; institutional critique and participative and interactive arts.

This course concerns contemporary practice and debate. As such you can expect to be stimulated and challenged by some of the ideas and images discussed.