PHIL30300 Critical Theory

Academic Year 2020/2021

This module examines the idea of a critical theory of society, starting with Rousseau, Hegel and Marx, and progressing to discuss in detail Horkheimer, Adorno and Benjamin, Foucault, Habermas and, time permitting, authors in the tradition who are inspired by them. It addresses questions concerning the point of such critical theorizing, the anthropological assumptions motivating it, the idea of freedom driving it, the conceptions of critique on which it relies and the social obstacles that block possibilities for freedom and impede critical social theorising. The module will also consider the question of the place of art (literature, music, the visual arts) in critical theorizing about society.

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Curricular information is subject to change

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the module students will have gained an understanding of what is meant by a critical theory of society and familiarity with the core ideas of the critical theorists discussed. They will have developed their ability to engage with the arguments of these theorists and to articulate their own views relating to human freedom and the social conditions that would facilitate it. More generally, they will have developed their text-based hermeneutic, analytic and critical skills, as well as their ability to present in writing well-reasoned, textually sensitive and carefully presented critical discussions of key topics.

Please note: the learning outcomes for this module depend on in-class discussion. Thus, attendance and participation are essential to realizing its aims, in particular for the purpose of submitting an adequately resourced and focused essay and exam.


Indicative Module Content:

As detailed in module description.

Student Effort Hours: 
Student Effort Type Hours
Lectures

25

Tutorial

7

Autonomous Student Learning

93

Total

125

Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
Blended learning is envisaged. The lecturer will pre-record a 15 minute lecture in advance of the two timetabled lecture slots per week. These will take the form of synchronised 'live' sessions using Brightspace Virtual Classroom or equivalent. In the first 20 minutes, students will engage in group work using worksheets, guided by the lecturer. This will be followed by a 20 minute discussion by the lecturer of the results of the group work. In addition, there will be a weekly face-to-face lecture. The lecturer will identify one question that has come up in the 'live' sessions that week and talk about it for 20 minutes, followed by group discussion. The face-to-face lecture will be recorded, but students will be required to attend it in person if at all possible. 
Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations
Learning Recommendations:

It is recommended that students doing this module should have already done four stage 2 modules. We advise you to consult the module co-ordinator in advance of choosing this module if you have not done much philosophy before.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Additional Information:
Essays submitted by students who are absent without permission or certified excuse from more than 5 classroom sessions prior to the essay submission date in week 8 may be penalized or not accepted for assessment.


 
Assessment Strategy  
Description Timing Open Book Exam Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade
Assignment: Assignment with two essay questions to be written at home over a 24 hour period with submission to Brightspace by the stipulated deadline: 10 December 2020 at 11am. Week 12 n/a Graded No

60

Essay: 2000 words examining authors discussed in first 5-6 weeks of the module Week 6 n/a Graded No

40


Carry forward of passed components
No
 
Resit In Terminal Exam
Spring No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 
Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

To be decided.

Name Role
Antoine Athanassiadis Tutor
Killian Favier Tutor