Lecture

Rex Koontz - Historical Evidence

This module, led by Rex Koontz, focuses on the importance of historical evidence in understanding cultural narratives. Students will learn how to analyze artifacts and texts to uncover hidden histories.

Key learning outcomes include:

  • Evaluating the significance of historical evidence
  • Understanding the relationship between evidence and narrative
  • Case studies of historical artifacts

Course Lectures
  • This module serves as an introduction to the course, led by Dr. Morton Cowan. It sets the stage for exploring the intricacies of comparative cultural studies. Students will be introduced to foundational concepts and methodologies used in the field.

    Key areas of focus include:

    • The importance of cultural narratives
    • Methods for analyzing cultural interactions
    • Overview of major themes in cultural studies
  • This module examines the concept of smuggling within cultural contexts, exploring its implications on identity and society. Smuggling serves as a metaphor for the movement of people, ideas, and cultures across borders.

    Key discussions will include:

    • The historical context of smuggling practices
    • Smuggling as a cultural phenomenon
    • Impact on identity and community dynamics
  • This module, co-led by Susan Kellogg and Lois Zamora, focuses on the theme of conquest and its lasting effects on cultures and identities. Students will explore historical conquests and their implications on cultural narratives.

    Topics will include:

    • The impact of European conquests on indigenous populations
    • Cultural assimilation and resistance
    • Case studies from various regions
  • In this continuation of the previous module, students delve deeper into the consequences of conquest on culture. The focus will be on the enduring legacies of these historical events and their influence on contemporary society.

    Key areas of study include:

    • Long-term effects of conquest on cultural identity
    • Modern perspectives on historical events
    • Continuity and change in cultural expressions
  • This module explores the relationship between drinking practices and culture, led by Andrew Gordon. Students will analyze how alcohol consumption reflects and shapes cultural identities.

    Topics discussed will include:

    • Historical contexts of drinking in different cultures
    • Symbolism of alcohol in social rituals
    • Impact of globalization on drinking practices
  • Rebecca Storey leads this module on skeletons, allowing students to explore the connections between death, culture, and identity. Discussions will focus on how different cultures understand and celebrate life and death.

    Key themes include:

    • Rituals surrounding death in various cultures
    • Symbolism of skeletons and mortality
    • Cultural perspectives on life and death
  • This module, led by Rex Koontz, focuses on the importance of historical evidence in understanding cultural narratives. Students will learn how to analyze artifacts and texts to uncover hidden histories.

    Key learning outcomes include:

    • Evaluating the significance of historical evidence
    • Understanding the relationship between evidence and narrative
    • Case studies of historical artifacts
  • In this module, Helen Ebaugh discusses the Islamic movement and its cultural implications. Students will explore the diversity within Islamic cultures and how these movements interact with global narratives.

    Key discussions will include:

    • The evolution of Islamic movements
    • Impact on cultural identity and practices
    • Responses to globalization and cultural exchange
  • Lynn Mitchell leads this module on religion and its cultural significance. Students will explore how religious beliefs and practices shape cultural identity and social dynamics.

    Key themes include:

    • The role of religion in cultural narratives
    • Religious diversity and its impact on identity
    • Case studies of various religious practices
  • In this module, Thomas Behr discusses the Enlightenment and its impact on cultural studies. Students will learn about the philosophical underpinnings of the Enlightenment and its lasting effects on modern thought.

    Key topics for exploration include:

    • Major thinkers of the Enlightenment
    • Impact on concepts of reason and individualism
    • Connections to contemporary cultural narratives
  • This module, led by Richard Armstrong, explores Greek traditions and their influence on Western culture. Students will analyze how ancient practices and beliefs have shaped modern cultural narratives.

    Key areas of focus include:

    • Influence of Greek mythology and philosophy
    • Traditions in art and literature
    • Continuities and changes in cultural practices
  • Sabitino leads this module on Italian architecture, exploring its historical development and cultural significance. Students will examine how the architecture reflects the values and beliefs of Italian society.

    Key topics include:

    • Major architectural styles and their origins
    • Influence of historical events on architecture
    • Connections to Italian cultural identity
  • This module examines the Indian diaspora, led by Michele Verna. Students will explore the experiences of Indian communities abroad and their cultural identities shaped by migration.

    Key discussions will include:

    • Challenges and opportunities faced by the diaspora
    • Impact on cultural practices and identity
    • Connections between homeland and diaspora communities
  • In this module, Aboul Ela discusses Orientalism and its implications for cultural understanding. Students will analyze how Western representations of Eastern cultures shape perceptions and narratives.

    Key topics include:

    • Historical context of Orientalism
    • Impacts on cultural identity and representation
    • Contemporary critiques of Orientalist narratives
  • Janice Hutchinson leads this module on race, examining its cultural constructions and implications. Students will analyze how race intersects with identity and social dynamics across different cultures.

    Key themes include:

    • The historical context of race as a social construct
    • Consequences of racial identities in contemporary society
    • Intersections with other forms of identity
  • This module, led by Susan Rasmussen, focuses on women in Africa and their roles in shaping cultural narratives. Students will explore women's contributions to society and how culture influences gender roles.

    Key topics include:

    • Historical and contemporary roles of women
    • Impact of cultural practices on gender identity
    • Women's movements and cultural change
  • Robert Shimiko leads this module on context, examining how cultural context influences identity and social dynamics. Students will learn to analyze the significance of context in cultural studies.

    Key discussions will include:

    • Understanding context as a variable in culture
    • Examples of cultural context influencing identity
    • Case studies from diverse cultural backgrounds
  • In this module, James Conyers discusses the African diaspora and its cultural significance. Students will explore how the experiences and histories of African descendants shape cultural identities worldwide.

    Key areas of focus include:

    • Historical context of the African diaspora
    • Contemporary cultural expressions
    • Connections between different diasporic communities