Course Catalogue

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What is critical theory, what is it for, and how do I use it in an academic context? Critical theory is a category of theories which examine and critique society and culture (with the ultimate aim of making improvement), drawing on an interdisciplinary base of knowledge and practice, especially from the social sciences and philosophy. On the course, students will have the opportunity to develop their understanding of critical theory as a broader concept and will be introduced to some of the key theorists (e.g. Marx, Bourdieu, Butler, Derrida) and theories (e.g. postcolonialism, postmodernism, literary theory) they will encounter in the Arts and Social Sciences. Students on the course will learn how to effectively critique critical theory and its uses within academic literature, and, correspondingly, how to apply relevant critical theory within their own academic practice.

Course length: 10 weeks.

Lectures: 1 hour per week.

Seminars: 1 hour per week.

Students at a pre-Honours level on an Undergraduate course in the College of Arts or College of Social Sciences.

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Set Exercise [30%] - Discussion of Theory

A written analysis (500 words) of the use of critical theory in an academic article*, addressing its purpose and use within the article.

*A selection of articles will be provided for the students to choose from.

Written Assignment (Essay) [70%] - Critical Analysis of Theory

A written critical analysis (1,500 words) of a critical theory introduced on the course that also discusses how the chosen theory could be applied within the student's own subject area, addressing the theory's potential strengths/weaknesses and uses/limitations in relation to this subject area.

This course will aim to:

■ Introduce students in the Colleges of Arts and Social Sciences to the concept and uses of critical theory in an academic context.

■ Present an overview of some of the key critical theorists and theories students will encounter within the Arts and Social Sciences.

■ Provide students with the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills required to effectively critique uses of theory in academic literature and to apply critical theory within their own academic practice.

■ Enhance students' graduate attributes as Investigative, Independent and Critical Thinkers.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Define critical theory and describe its purpose in an academic context.

■ Explain the core concepts of key critical theorists and theories within their subject areas.

■ Critically evaluate the use of critical theory in academic literature and effectively apply critical theory within their own academic practice.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.