Focussing on the politics of identity in everyday life, this course offers a general introduction to major issues in the study of popular culture and cultural studies. Secondly, the subject discusses critically selected works on popular cultures in Indonesia, and relates them to the general issues mentioned above.

Three inter-related areas of interest will run throughout the course, and will serve as the course’s foci: (a) questions of the location of a particular study of popular culture in the broader mapping of the study of culture in general; (b) questions concerning value judgements -- aesthetic or political; (c) particular connections, contrasts, or parallels among the different cases studied.

No prior mastery of Indonesian or knowledge of Indonesia is required, but familiarity with the society and language mastery would be an advantage.

By the end of the semester, students are expected to be able to -

(a) recognise and explain the aesthetic, social, and ideological significance of the selected works of popular culture in Indonesia

(b) write a non-specialist, but analytical essay on one aspect of popular cultures in Indonesia

(c) able to identify potential areas of significance for further research of a broader scope

Weekly class participation and four tutorial notes submitted 48 hours before class meetings (40%)

One essay plan, 750 words (20%) due mid semester

One long essay 2,500 words (40%), due early exam period

Three hours a week.

INDN2108, ASIA6508 and INDN6108

Available through Wattle.