July 11th: Introduction to
Postmodernism

Disclaimer

After reviewing these notes and even reading all of Malpas, you won't be an expert on Postmodernism. Our discussions are simply scratching the surface of this complex theory. Let's give our attention to Taylor while he leads us into a discussion on Jenkins.

Jameson's Postmodernism, or , The Cultural Logic of Late Capitalism (Duke UP, 1990)

Fredric Jameson is a tough read, but he's important to bring up (remember, we're just introducing this) when discussing postmodernism.

Although I didn't assign Jameson, I like to think of Jameson in context of the rise of postmodern(ist) scholarship. Before we get into that, we ought to consider Jameson's caution about theorizing Postmodernism itself. He warns that it's difficult:

• "Postmodernism theory seems indeed to be a ceaseless process of internal rollover in which the position of the observer is turned inside out and the tabulation recontinued on some larger scale" (p. 64).
• when defining ideology's function...
  "the production of functioning and living ideologies, is distinct in different historical situations...[and] there may be historical situations in which it is not possible at all--and this would seem to be our situation in the current crisis" (p. 53).

Culture Wars

Although Jameson isn't as well known in popular circles, he does sort of figure into the "Culture Wars" of the 1990s. Postmodern theory and theorizing gave rise to new kinds of scholarship (more on that soon...) that critiqued the hegemonic ideology of American society (and Western). Also, it's (usually) embraced by the Left, and, therefore, anathema to the Right. However, the postmodern condition isn't a movement that you can be on or off--you're situated in it.

Postmodern theory is beneficial for all kinds of study inside the academy, but here's my reasons for English Studies:

• Literature: Jameson brings up interpretations of literature in his chapter, but Postmodernism is crucial for serious literature students. Unless I missed something in the last few years, Postmodernism is the dominant analytical framework for literature over the last 20 years.
• Rhetoric/Composition: Because we think about student identitity is a culmination of ones experiences (even if some of us think they're totally socially constructed), PoMo theory allows us to consider the multiple positions from which people argue, write, consider, and participate in democracy.
  
• Technical Communication: Well, as a member of a postindustrial, global economy, you need to understand how hierarchies lend themselves to technological production and, in turn, how humans interact with technology. Without that insight, you could edit a document, but you can't re-vision one.

More Introduction

I have a page for you to review that goes along with Malpas. Go to this Postmodern Intro Page for more information. Remember, you don't have a Moodle prompt for today--just turn in your Critical Analysis of a Technology Essay before Midnight. Yes, you turn this in via Moodle.

Next Class

For Monday (7/15), you have a short book to finish--Baudrillard's (1991) The Gulf War Did not Take Place. Our very own Dymilah will lead us on that discussion. I hope to have all the notes/activities up for next week by Sunday...let's see if I can get that done.