Discussion Post on Cultural Studies
Make sure you follow the discussion posting guidelines, AND note that your responses must be labeled and ordered in the same way as the questions (so, organize your answers as 1, 2, 3, etc.).
In this discussion, you must turn to the two readings in the textbook:
TB: Dines Ch 1: Kellner, D. Cultural Studies, Multiculturalism, and Media Culture
TB: Dines Ch 7: Radway, J. Women Read the Romance
1) First, note how Kellner defines “cultural studies.” He writes fairly clearly, noting the central components of cultural studies. What are they? For this answer (as with all discussion posts), make sure you include a few quotes, and then put in your own words what you think cultural studies is. **Don’t forget to include page #s for all quotes in all discussion posts.**
2) Second, it is clear that Kellner feels that political economy is a key part (but not the only part) of cultural studies. How do you understand this phrase? One method that might help to guide you throughout this class is to break up the phrase. The root word of ‘political’ is power, and economy, well, refers to money and economics. So, in this answer, provide a robust definition of “political economy,” noting just WHY Kellner thinks it’s key to a cultural studies approach.
3) Third, now you can move on to the “fun” reading. This reading by Radway is old – from the early 1980s. I have paired it with the Kellner reading because I think Radway provides a good/important example of cultural studies.
3A) Your job, with this section of your post, is to answer WHY her work is a good example of cultural studies. [Hint: the best way to garner points for this section is to take the answers from Qs 1 and 2 above and show where you see cultural studies’ elements in Radway’s work].
3B) In 4-5 sentences, note Radway’s FINDINGS (that is, what did her work reveal about women reading romance novels?)
**Remember, longer and more detailed answers always earn more points than abbreviated/vague ones. Be specific and clear, and draw the readings into your answers.** Please cite the sources and page number you were citing
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