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Director Nick Baxter-Moore Professors Sandra L. Beckett, Leslie A. Boldt-Irons, Barry K. Grant, Rosemary Hale, Jim Leach, Marilyn Rose, John Sainsbury, Elizabeth Sauer Associate Professors Nick Baxter-Moore, Glenwood H. Irons, John Mitterer, Russell Johnston, David Schimmelpenninck, Jeannette Sloniowski, Bohdan Szuchewycz Assistant Professors Dale Bradley, Marian Bredin, Jennifer Good, Sarah Matheson, Christie Milliken, Steven Scott, Darrell Varga Master of Arts Program Co-ordinator Anne Howe 905-688-5550, extension 3553 SBH 309 The Master of Arts Program in Popular Culture is interdisciplinary in nature, drawing on the theoretical perspectives, approaches and methods from a variety of disciplines in the Humanities and Social Sciences, as well as the established interdisciplinary field of Cultural Studies. The study of Popular Culture ranges from traditional textual analysis to ethnographic observation and participant interviews. Themes and topics addressed in the program will emphasize both historical and contemporary perspectives in Popular Culture. The program espouses no single methodological or theoretical perspective, and its pluralistic approach is reflected in the number of different disciplines from which participating faculty are drawn. However, the faculty all share the common view that the study of Popular Culture is a valuable and worthwhile scholarly endeavour, enabling us to understand how societies, including our own, function and thrive. |
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Applications for admission to the MA Program, on either a full-time or a part-time basis, will be accepted from persons holding an honours degree in a relevant discipline (for example, English, Film Studies, Fine Arts, History, Music, Political Science, Sociology, Canadian Studies, Communications Studies, or Women's Studies) with an overall average of at least 75 per cent. Applicants will usually be expected to have completed some courses related to Cultural Studies, Popular Culture or Media Studies as part of their undergraduate programs. Applicants must supply a personal statement, outlining their research or study interests in the field of Popular Culture, and letters from three referees who can attest to the applicant's suitability for graduate level study. Potential applicants with a pass degree in a relevant field or with an honours degree in a non-related discipline, but who have a demonstrated interest in the field of Popular Culture (for example through work experience) may be required to complete a qualifying year (taking senior undergraduate courses in the Department of Communications, Popular Culture and Film or other appropriate department) before admission to the MA Program. |
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All students are required to complete five half-credit (one semester) courses, including the graduate core courses (PCUL 5P01, 5P02, 5P03), in addition to the MA thesis. Students should consult with the Director of the MA Program when planning their programs of study. With the approval of the Director, students may substitute a reading course/tutorial for one of the regular scheduled non-core courses. Normally, no student may complete more than one reading course/tutorial and no student may take a reading course/tutorial with her/his thesis supervisor. In addition to course requirements, each student must complete, and defend at a public oral examination, a thesis that demonstrates capacity for independent work and original research or thought. The thesis topic shall be chosen in consultation with the supervisor and other members of the Supervisory Committee. A formal thesis proposal must be approved before research commences on the thesis. |
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MA Thesis A research project involving the preparation and defence of a thesis which shall demonstrate capacity for independent work and original research and thought. Cultural Theory and Popular Culture Historical and critical analysis of theories of popular culture from different disciplinary and cross-disciplinary perspectives. Seminar, 3 hours per week. Research Methods in Popular Culture Survey of research methods in Popular Culture and Cultural Studies, including their historical development, theoretical assumptions and practical application. Seminar, 3 hours per week. Seminar in Popular Culture Advanced application of theories and methods introduced in PCUL 5P01/5P02 to topics relevant to individual student research. Seminar, 3 hours per week. Directed Reading in Popular Culture Directed individual or group reading in an area of popular culture. Restriction: permission of the Director. Note: may not be taken in place of PCUL 5P01, 5P02 or 5P03. Historical Perspectives on Popular Culture Study of the popular culture of a particular historical period or an issue of popular culture in its historical context. Topics may include Popular Culture of the English Revolution, and Popular Culture and Christianity. Witchcraft and Its Meanings Witchcraft as an aspect of popular culture, with an emphasis on the Early Modern period (1500-1700). Religious change, socio-economic friction and gender relations. Issues and Themes in Popular Culture Focus on selected issues or themes in popular culture. Themes may include the Urban Experience, the Environment, Race and Representation, Gender, Consumer Culture. Genres of Popular Culture Study of a particular genre across selected popular media, including film, literature, and television. Topics may include Crime and Detective Fiction, Fairy Tales, Speculative Narrative, the Romance. The Western The Western genre from its origins in colonial America to contemporary Hollywood. Genre, cultural history and myth, national identity, ideology, and representation. Forms of Popular Culture Study of a particular form of popular culture, including political economy, aesthetics, and cultural and historical significance. Topics may include Popular Music, Television, Sport, Digital Culture. |
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2004-2005 Graduate Calendar
Last updated: November 19, 2004 @ 10:41AM