Key cultural terms and concepts. Exploration of cultural theorists such as (but not exclusively):
Adorno, Benjamin, Marcuse, Hall, Whitely, O’Brien, Street, Garratt, Shuker, Frith, Leonard, Denora, Middleton, Hebdidge, Stokes, Chomsky, Scruton. Globalisation and its affects upon sound design, Nationalism, Subcultures, Social and Economic influences upon film and radio genres, Ethnicity, gender and sexuality within sound design.

Cultural Analysis Essay – students will write an essay from a pre-defined set of questions which will encourage them to explore a specific area of sound design of their choice and utilise the cultural theories which have been discussed in order to interrogate, explain and contextualise how the creation of their chosen sound design has influenced and been influenced by society at large.

The module will be taught through lectures, seminars, readings and discussion.

1. Identify and utilise appropriate research methodologies and research sources for specified tasks Application, Enquiry

2. Use key cultural theories, concepts and vocabulary as relevant to the study of sound design. Learning, Analysis

3. Identify and analyse the influence of societal conditions upon sound design creation and consumption Analysis, Enquiry

4. Describe the effect sound design has upon contemporary society.
Communication

Library resources.

Cottrell, S, (2017) Critical Thinking Skills: Developing Effective Analysis and Argument (3rd Ed.), Palgrave Macmillan.
Manning, A, Wilding, E, (2007) Seminars and Tutorials: University Foundation Study Course Book, Garnet Education.

Barker, C, Emma, A, (2016) Cultural Studies: Theory and Practice (5th Ed.), SAGE Publications.

Storey, J, (2018) Cultural Theory & Popular Culture (8th Ed.), Routledge.

Clayton, M, (2012) The Cultural Study of Music (2nd Ed.), Routledge.

Shepherd, J, (2015) The Routledge Reader on the Sociology of Music, Routledge.

Murray, Leo. (2019). Sound Design Theory and Practice: Working with Sound. Routledge.

Do you want to really get to grips with how sound design and society intersect and build your understanding and vocabulary to better talk about it? This module will help you understand the basics of cultural theory and use that to develop a greater understanding of where sound design fits in the world around us.