2017/18 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

ARTF5001M Derrida and Deconstruction

30 creditsClass Size: 15

Module manager: Dr Eric Prenowitz
Email: e.prenowitz@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2017/18

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

The module engages with the theory and thought of deconstruction through a close analysis of a series of texts by the French philosopher and cultural theorist Jacques Derrida.

Objectives

Students will gain an in-depth understanding of deconstruction. They will be familiar with deconstructive approaches, gestures and figures, and the deconstructive critique philosophy , including critical and political theory . They will develop strong interpretive and close reading skills, both in the analysis of texts by Derrida and in the deconstructive analysis of cultural forms, institutions and artefacts. This module will encourage students to think critically about what they know and about knowledge itself, as a cultural (philosophical, political) construct.

Learning outcomes
On completion of this module, students should be able to:
- demonstrate an understanding of deconstruction, including its historical, intellectual, political context and implications;
- show in-depth knowledge of certain texts by Derrida;
- use deconstructive approaches in the analysis of culture and other critical work.

Skills outcomes
- Skills necessary to undertake higher research degree and/or for employment in a higher capacity in an area of professional practice.
- Evaluating own achievement and that of others.
- Self-direction and effective decision-making.
- Independent learning.
- Use of methodologies and theoretical resources.

Syllabus

This module offers an introduction to deconstruction. It will be organised around a number of themes that have played a central role in the development of deconstructive thought, such as the question of ethics and responsibility (the much-touted 'ethical turn'), the relations between philosophy and literature, the question of history, the political efficacy or 'applications' of philosophy, the analysis of 'institution'. It will involve a close analysis of a range of texts (interviews and essays) by Jacques Derrida, addressing a number of key Derridian moves and 'quasi-concepts'. At every turn, the module will consider the ways in which deconstruction intervenes in theoretically oriented scholarship and cultural practice, both challenging any pre-given grounding and opening up conventional borders. In the process, it will propose an apprenticeship of deconstruction as a way of reading, while placing it in a historical and intellectual context that it simultaneously analyses and modifies.

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Seminar	10	3.00	30.00
Private study hours			270.00
Total Contact hours			30.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			300.00

Private study

270 hours - research, reading and seminar preparation/ preparation and completion of essay

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Attendance at seminars
Participation in class discussions

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	1 x 7,000 word essay (inc footnotes and bibliography)	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: 09/03/2017

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