2008/09 Undergraduate Module Catalogue

PIED3602 Critical Theory

20 creditsClass Size: 40

Module manager: Dr Ricardo Blaug
Email: D.R.Blaug@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2008/09

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

The course begins with an exploration of the strengths and weaknesses of Critical Theory as it developed from the Frankfurt School to Jürgen Habermas. Particular attention is paid to the critique of Enlightenment reason and its relation to a radical politics. Students then choose an area of practical concern to which Habermasian Critical Theory has been applied, and analyse it in an essay. The second section inspects the claim that we have moved into a period of Postmodernity, and concentrates on those theorists who have sought both to reject Enlightenment reason and to challenge the very nature of the political. Third, the acrimonious debate between Habermas and the Postmodernists is assessed and inspected for its political implications. Finally, theoretical advances in both modernist and postmodernist Critical Theory are used to explore the future of radical politics and participatory democracy. The literature of both camps offer rich seams of theory, giving students scope to explore individual interests in areas such as psychiatry, education, media, international politics, feminism and language. This is a course in radical political philosophy. It makes contemporary theory approachable, useful, personal and political.For further information see the School of Politics and International Studies website. If you cannot find the answer to your question then email D.R.Blaug@leeds.ac.uk

Objectives

To introduce contemporary issues in Western social and political thought by looking at the seminal debate between Critical Theory (Horkheimer, Adorno, Habermas) and Postmodern theory (Foucault, Lyotard, Deleuze and Guattari). To examine their respective critiques of enlightenment and modernity. To inspect the relation of radical political theory to practice. To gather critical resources and explore political possibilities and obstacles. To sharpen intellectual skills and gain confidence in critical reasoning, accurate communication, textual and conceptual analysis. To encourage students to develop their own critical position.

Syllabus

Radicalism, Relativism
The Frankfurt School
The Critical Theory of Jürgen Habermas
Critical Theory and its Practices (i)
Critical Theory and its Practices (ii)
A Transition to Postmodernity?
Postmodern Questions
Accusations and Counter-Accusations
Critical Theory and its Practices (iii)
The Organisation of Resistance

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Lecture	11	1.00	11.00
Seminar	11	1.00	11.00
Private study hours			178.00
Total Contact hours			22.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			200.00

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Essay	1 x 3,000 words	50.00
Essay	1 x 3,000 words	50.00
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: 03/04/2009

Disclaimer

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