An essay on cultural criticism and sites of cultural production

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Hildick-Smith, Georgina Elizabeth (2019). An essay on cultural criticism and sites of cultural production. University of Birmingham. M.A.

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Abstract

This thesis explores the importance of an active critical consciousness in conceptualising and appreciating English literature and, more widely, culture across a variety of sites of cultural production. The first three chapters consider the teaching of literature in the classroom, before moving beyond the classroom to the National Curriculum and conceptions of 'English literature'; Chapter Four then looks back at the genesis and development of the subject in order to contextualise the discussion. Chapter Five explores the significance of the reader in conceptualising literature. The following chapters then broaden the discussion by situating literature within culture itself and explore the terms 'culture' and 'cultural value' themselves as sites of cultural production. These chapters do not only consider these terms but also look at differing processes of evaluation, focusing on a phenomenological approach. Chapter Seven then provides a case study by discussing the work of John Webster: the chapter explores early modem and twentieth/twenty-first century evaluations of the theatre and the resulting play-texts as sites of cultural production. The final chapter considers new sites of cultural production, particularly live broadcasts and shifts in theatrical reviewing. The conclusion emphasises the importance of continued evaluation, thus ending by acknowledging the impossibility of 'ending'.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Masters by Research > M.A.)

Award Type:

Masters by Research > M.A.

Supervisor(s):