2016/17 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

SLSP5143M Critical Theory

30 creditsClass Size: 20

Module manager: Prof Adrian Favell
Email: a.favell@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2016/17

Pre-requisite qualifications

2:1 BA (Hons) in the Social Sciences or related discipline
English Language requirements as directed by School policy

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

The intention of this module is to introduce students to issues resurfacing in contemporary Western social and political thought. After a brief reminder of the influential theories and works of Karl Marx, the module investigates the critically radical theories of contemporary society promulgated by the so-called Frankfurt School (ie. by Horkheimer, Adorno, Benjamin, Fromm, Marcuse and Habermas). Later, these critical theories are developed upon via the recent contributions of feminist (Benhabib, Butler and Kristeva) and psychoanalytic thinkers (Lacan, Zizek) in order to provide an evaluative platform upon which critical theory can be situated and judged in terms of its relevance to social relations in the 21st Century.

Objectives

The objectives are such that the module will:
- examine the critiques of contemporary society discernible from the works of Marx, the Frankfurt School, Benhabib, Butler and Fraser respectively;
- explain the relevance and applicability of critical theories developed in other eras;
- inspect the relation of radical socio-political theory to practice;
- gather critical resources to explore socio-political possibilities and obstacles;
- sharpen intellectual skills of students so that an increased confidence in critical reasoning, accurate communication, textual and conceptual analysis can be achieved;
- encourage students to develop their own critical position.

Learning outcomes
On completion of the module, students should have provided evidence of being able to:
- demonstrate an advanced grounding in the social theory, research and methodology pertinent to the field of critical theory and the Frankfurt School in particular;
- exhibit a high level of understanding of socio-political concepts and investigative techniques;
- exhibit a mastery in the exercise of both the generic and specific intellectual abilities relevant to critical theorists and their study of social phenomena;
- evaluate, develop and implement the use of the ideas and hypotheses within critical theory to gain a greater understanding of current socio-political trends and issues;
- think critically, to understand and assess the differences between alternative socio-political explanations of contemporary society.

Skills outcomes
After studying on the module, students are expected to demonstrate a range of transferable skills acquired from having to:
- Independently manage and direct their own study regime over the teaching and assessment period of the module;
- Communicate effectively, both in an oral and written sense, when figuring out solutions to complex problems;
- Demonstrate an ability to make effective and critical decisions across the range of social theories introduced;
- Raise vital questions and problems in a clear and precise manner;
- Gather, assess and interpret relevant information whilst using abstract ideas to produce an effective interpretation;
- Arrive at well-reasoned conclusions and solutions;
- Think about alternative systems of thought with an open-mind but still recognise, where need be, their their various assumptions, implications and practical consequences.

Syllabus

Lecture 1. Introduction: Aims and Origins of the Frankfurt School
Lecture 2. Karl Marx: Class, Alienation and Conflict
Lecture 3. Max Horkheimer: Philosophy in Exile
Lecture 4. Theodor Adorno: Identity and Negative Dialectics
Lecture 5. Walter Benjamin: The Arcades Project
Lecture 6. Erich Fromm: The Art of 'Being'
Lecture 7. Herbert Marcuse: The Satiated One-Dimensional Man
Lecture 8. Jürgen Habermas: The 'Lifeworld' and Communicative Rationality
Lecture 9. Feminism and Critical Theory: Benhabib, Butler and Kristeva
Lecture 10. Critical Theory Today: Zizek
Lecture 11. Summation and Feedback.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	11	1.00	11.00
Seminar	11	1.00	11.00
Private study hours			278.00
Total Contact hours			22.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			300.00

Private study

Private study involves research in the study of critical theory. Reading lists will be provided, but students will also be encouraged to explore other areas: especially in terms of electronic journal searches etc. Moreover, students will be expected to prepare in advance for the various lectures, tutorials and the 6,000 word essay at the end of the module.

All are designed to develop the critical skills of the students as well as encouraging students to improve their time-management skills. Indeed, time-management in this instance is particularly pertinent to the final assessed essay.

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Student progress will be monitored during lectures, tutorials and the open door sessions, where students will be encouraged to demonstrate their knowledge, understanding and levels of critical analysis in relation to the theoretical and substantive module content.

Student progress will also be monitored by an initial 2,000 word formative essay and a final 6000 word assessed essay.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	1 x 6,000 words	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 14/09/2016

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