Research

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School of Humanities and Communication Arts

Cultural Studies (Culture & Society)

Discipline Lead | Distinguished Professor Ien Ang

Western Sydney University is a globally recognised node of excellence for Cultural Studies, ranked well above world standard in the Excellence in Research for Australia 2018.

Cultural Studies is central to Western’s Institute for Culture and Society and is offered as an undergraduate major in Culture and Society in the School of Humanities and Communication Arts.

Culture and Society is an (inter)discipline bringing together insights and approaches from across the Humanities and the Social Sciences, including Cultural Studies, Sociology, Geography, Gender and Sexuality Studies, Media and Communications, History and Literary Studies, to understand the multidimensional complexities of contemporary culture and society. Culture and Society scholars at Western have been at the forefront of research into media and popular culture, race, ethnicity and cultural diversity, the cultural dimensions of globalisation, national and urban cultural policy, the social and cultural impact of digital technologies, and environmental change. They have been pioneers in the practice of engaged cultural research, working with a range of community and institutional partners to address complex social and cultural challenges through local and global engagement.

The versatility of Cultural Studies makes it relevant for work involving commentary and analysis of contemporary social issues and cultural practices (e.g. journalism, teaching, activism), the creative industries, and service delivery in culturally diverse communities.

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Academics for this Discipline

Acknowledgement of Country

With respect for Aboriginal cultural protocol and out of recognition that its campuses occupy their traditional lands, Western Sydney University acknowledges the Darug, Dharawal, Gadigal, Gundungurra and Wiradjuri peoples and thanks them for their support of its work in their lands (Greater Western Sydney and beyond).