Module and Programme Catalogue

Search site

Find information on

2020/21 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 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable

Year running 2020/21

This module is approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module offers an introduction to deconstruction through a close consideration of a series of texts (interviews and essays) by French philosopher and cultural critic Jacques Derrida, covering a broad range of his work. It will explore deconstructive approaches to the analysis of cultural forms, institutions and artefacts, beginning with Derrida’s critique of Western metaphysics, and focussing on a number of deconstructive ‘figures’. While the module will insist, above all, on reading – reading Derrida’s extraordinary texts, and deconstruction itself as a way of reading – we will be concerned throughout with the ethical and political ramifications of such reading and thinking. At the same time, deconstruction will be situated in a historical and intellectual context that it simultaneously analyses and transforms.

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
Content:
1. Students will gain an in-depth understanding of the terms, stakes and critical and political implications of deconstruction.
2. Students will develop a knowledge of key critical concepts or moves developed by Derrida.
3. Students will gain an advanced level of familiarity with and knowledge of the details of certain important texts by Derrida.
4. Students will be able to situate deconstruction historically in terms of Western philosophical and intellectual traditions.
Skills:
5. Students will be able to think critically on the topic of deconstruction and to use deconstructive approaches in the analysis of cultural artefacts, forms of creative expression, and other critical work.
6. Students will be able to read and discuss key works by Derrida and other authors influenced by deconstruction.
7. Students will develop interpretative and close-reading skills, both in the analysis of deconstructive phenomena in culture and cultural manifestations, and more broadly in the analysis, informed by deconstructive insights, of cultural forms, institutions and artefacts.

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 through a close consideration of a series of texts (interviews and essays) by Jacques Derrida, covering a broad range of his work. We will explore Derrida’s inaugural critique of Western metaphysics, and focus on a number of deconstructive ‘figures’ that Derrida foregrounds in his work. More generally, the module will address themes or interrogations that have played a central role in the development of deconstruction, 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'.

Teaching methods

Delivery typeNumberLength hoursStudent hours
Lecture102.0020.00
Seminar101.0010.00
Private study hours270.00
Total Contact hours30.00
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

Students receive written feedback on both essays (1 x 1500 word and 1 x 4500 word).
Discussion sessions in the third hour will also contribute to formative feedback.

Methods of assessment


Coursework
Assessment typeNotes% of formal assessment
Essay1,000 - 1,500 words30.00
Essay4,000-4,500 words70.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)100.00

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

Reading list

There is no reading list for this module

Last updated: 10/08/2020 08:33:45

Disclaimer

Browse Other Catalogues

Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team.PROD

© Copyright Leeds 2019