MA in Cultural Studies

What you'll study Overview You will take two core modules together with a selection of individual modules, and complete a Masters dissertation. Core modules Module title Credits. Cultural Studies and Capitalism Cultural Studies and Capitalism 30 credits The critique of capitalism has been an important horizon for research and theory in cultural studies since its inception. Beginning with an introduction to this (anti-)disciplinary history, this module introduces and engages with past and contemporary critical approaches to the imbrication of capitalism and culture in cultural studies, cultural theory and philosophy. We will consider the evolution of cultural studies from its early focus on the role of capitalism in shaping class relations and class culture, through its integration of such critiques into a still-expanding range of areas of concern, including issues around gender, race, sexuality, (post)colonialism, posthumanism and ecology. We will engage with key theoretical concepts and paradigms that have been developed in order to better understand the cultural dimension and functioning of capital, such as commodity fetishism, ‘capitalism-as-religion’, gift-exchange, theories of debt, parasitism, neoliberalism, information capitalism, and post-natural ecology. We will ask how contemporary global phenomena such as the rise of digital networking, climate change and financial crisis may be transforming the relationship between capitalism and culture, and critically examine currently circulating claims that capitalism is giving way to ‘postcapitalism’. 30 credits. MA in Cultural Studies Dissertation (Methodology and Research) MA in Cultural Studies Dissertation (Methodology and Research) 60 credits The dissertation provides you with an opportunity to undertake a research project on a topic of significance to Cultural Studies, drawing on the knowledge, understanding and skills developed through the taught modules studied during the rest of the programme. General preparation in addressing methodological questions relating to the dissertation, and training on specific research methods, are provided in a 5-week research methods module during the Spring term. This aspect of the module culminates in a 5,000 word essay/report comprised of a critical analysis of research methods. Students then go on to conduct the research and complete the 10,000-12,000 word dissertation under the guidance of a dedicated supervisor. 60 credits. Doing Cultural Studies Doing Cultural Studies 30 credits This module concentrates on Cultural Studies as a research methodology, a method of engagement and intervention with current debates and practices, and in addition a method of collective working. The module takes examples from a diverse range of topics in the field of media and cultural studies, such as policing and the military-industrial prison complex; racialised, gender and identity politics and intersectionality; media platforms and technologies; the production and consumption of popular culture; feminist and post-feminism; elites, political power and hegemony; visual and sound arts et al. Particular interventions in these areas are taken as examples of a range of methodological approaches such as textual and visual analysis, conjunctual analysis, ethnographies and case studies. 30 credits. Recommended option modules You take option modules to the value of 60 credits. Modules can be chosen from across Goldsmiths departments and centres. There are a number of Media modules available , which are recommended for your programme. Other option modules, by department ‌You may prefer to look through the full range of optional modules available across Goldsmiths departments: Anthropology. English and Comparative Literature. History. Politics. Sociology. Please note that the modules can change from year to year, and not all the modules listed may be open to you – your final selection will depend upon spaces available and timetable compatibility. Download the programme specification for the 2018-19 intake. If you would like an earlier version of the programme specification, please contact the Quality Office. Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.