Overview
This introductory course examines the conceptual, historical, and ethical foundations of cultural appropriation studies. Students distinguish cultural exchange, acculturation, assimilation, syncretism, appreciation, and appropriation while analyzing how colonialism, globalization, racialization, commodification, and unequal power relations shape cultural borrowing.
The course considers appropriation across fashion, music, visual art, foodways, language, religion, intellectual and cultural property, and digital media. Students apply historically grounded and culturally sensitive methods to case studies, compare perspectives within and across communities, assess the roles of power, privilege, consent, context, profit, and representation, and develop ethically informed approaches to cultural engagement. Emphasis is placed on cultural diversity, community voices, positionality, credible research, and respectful terminology.
Learning Outcomes
- Define and distinguish cultural exchange, acculturation, assimilation, syncretism, appreciation, and appropriation using disciplinary terminology.
- Analyze the effects of colonialism, globalization, commodification, racialization, and unequal power relations on cultural borrowing.
- Evaluate cultural appropriation controversies across fashion, music, visual art, foodways, language, religion, and digital media.
- Compare perspectives within and across communities while recognizing internal diversity and avoiding monolithic representations.
- Apply positionality, community-based perspectives, credible sources, and respectful terminology in cultural appropriation research.
- Assess the roles of power, privilege, consent, context, profit, and representation in specific cultural borrowing practices.
- Formulate ethically informed recommendations for responsible cultural engagement, institutional policy, or public communication.
Timetable
| Type | Length | Frequency | Period |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 2 hours | Weekly | All semester |
| Tutorial | 1 hour | Weekly | All semester |
| Workshop | 2 hours | Fortnightly | All semester |
Assessment Schedule
| Type | Description | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Assignment | Case-study analysis | 20.00% |
| Assignment | Reflective positionality writing | 15.00% |
| Assignment | Media critique | 20.00% |
| Quiz | Concepts and terminology quizzes (3 × 5%) | 15.00% |
| Capstone | Ethical engagement framework or policy recommendation | 30.00% |
Prerequisites
- Requirement 4 NCEA Level 2 English credits, externally assessed
Teaching Staff & Programs
This course is delivered jointly by faculty from the participating programs listed below. In line with the Douchewater Way, the University of Sexology tailors core instruction directly to each cohort's specific discipline — adapting curriculum to program needs rather than forcing students into a one-size-fits-all model. Learn more about our approach at The Douchewater Way.
