Interdisciplinary and self-critical in nature, Cultural Studies has constantly redefined itself and undergone transformation since it was first established as a legitimate “way of thinking.” Beginning by tracing the historical emergence of what we now understand as Cultural Studies, this course will introduce you to the general theoretical development of this field and familiarize you with the key concepts and major debates that shape its various modes of inquiry. On our way to apprehending the richness and complexity of Cultural Studies, of how it works and what it does, we will also investigate more critically its methods and approaches by discussing the following questions: How do we read from a Cultural Studies perspective? More specifically, how do we “maintain” a Cultural Studies perspective when the subject matter and object of inquiry can be better categorized as studies of race, gender, and class? In other words, what counts as Cultural Studies? What is “culture” in Cultural Studies, especially in the age of globalization? Primary materials may include works by Stuart Hall, Raymond Williams, Judith Butler, Michel Foucault, Lisa Low, Aihwa Ong, Edward Said, and Arjun Appadurai. In addition to reading theoretical work compiled in a course packet and participating in class discussions, you will be required to collaboratively design and conduct a Cultural Studies group project that utilizes relevant knowledge and ideas covered in class. Each group will be working closely with me on the subject of their own choosing. This may include, but is not limited to, interpreting a variety of texts such as literature, visual images, music, video, and performance. Other assignments include weekly in-class writings, response papers, group presentations, and a final project report.