What′s Become of Cultural Studies?

Book excerpt: "Graeme Turner is one of the most remarkable figures in the world of cultural studies. He has helped to make and remake the field over the last twenty-five years. So when he sets his alarm clock - and it goes off loudly - we all know it′s time to pay attention. This extraordinary testament to what is right and wrong with cultural studies today will reverberate across the globe." Toby Miller, University of California This original, sharp and engaging book draws the reader into a compelling exploration of cultural studies in the twenty-first century. It offers a level-headed account of where cultural studies has come from, the methodological and theoretical dilemmas that it faces today and an agenda for its future development. In an age in which the relevance of cultural studies has been called into question, this book seeks to generate debate. Focusing upon the actual practice of cultural studies within the university today, it asks whether or not cultural studies has really managed to maintain a connection with its original political and ethical mission and comments on the strategies needed to regain the initiative. Written by a world class figure in cultural studies, each chapter supports and guides the reader by introducing the key issues, reviewing the relevant commentary and offering a critical conclusion of how each theme fits into a bigger picture. This timely and provocative consideration of cultural studies as a global discipline will be essential reading for academics and students working in the field for years to come.