Universität Wien

120018 AR Theory (MA) (2011S)

Contemporary Critical and Cultural Theory

5.00 ECTS (2.00 SWS), SPL 12 - Anglistik
Continuous assessment of course work

Registration/Deregistration

Note: The time of your registration within the registration period has no effect on the allocation of places (no first come, first served).

Details

max. 30 participants
Language: English

Lecturers

Classes (iCal) - next class is marked with N

  • Friday 11.03. 14:00 - 18:00 Raum 5 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-17
  • Friday 25.03. 14:00 - 18:00 Raum 5 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-17
  • Friday 01.04. 14:00 - 18:00 Raum 5 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-17
  • Friday 15.04. 14:00 - 18:00 Raum 5 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-17
  • Friday 03.06. 14:00 - 18:00 Raum 5 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-17
  • Friday 24.06. 14:00 - 18:00 Raum 5 Anglistik UniCampus Hof 8 3E-O1-17

Information

Aims, contents and method of the course

In this compact study group, we will discuss a number of theoretical topics and approaches to the study of cultural forms with a main focus on the second half of the 20th century. After an introduction and summary of a wide variety subjects, texts and authors in the first two units (first session), students will choose those approaches they are most interested to work on. On the basis of your selection, we will read and discuss a range of original texts in critical cultural theory, each of which will be introduced by student presentations (in small groups). One of the main questions guiding our discussions will be potential ways in which theoretical approaches can be applied to the study of cultural ‘texts’.

Topics to select from will include:
- Structuralism
- Poststructuralism and Postmodernism
- Psychoanalytic Theory
- Gender Studies
- Queer Studies
- Critical Race Theory
- Postcolonial Studies
- Ecocriticism
- (Cultural) Mobility Studies
- Studies of the Body
- Theories of Consumption
- Approaches to ‘Mass Culture’ and Popular Culture
- New historicism and cultural materialism

Assessment and permitted materials

30% student presentations
30% course participation (text preparation, contributions to discussions)
40% final essay (3-5 pages)

Minimum requirements and assessment criteria

The aim of this compact study group is to introduce advanced students to original theoretical texts from a variety of approaches for the study of cultural expressions. The course aims at enabling students to interrelate these approaches and to discuss them critically. Furthermore, it familiarizes students with potential ways to use these approaches practically as methods for reading and interpreting primary material. Students will gain a broad overview over contemporary critical and cultural theory on the one hand and specific, more detailed insights into a number of these, based on their own interests and selection.

Examination topics

The course will feature a mix of methods: short lectures, student presentations, discussion rounds, group and pair work, the production of written texts (responses to and questions on the reading material).

Reading list

Reading material will be announced in / after the first session

Association in the course directory

Studium: Diplom 343, UF 344, MA 844;
Code/Modul: 721-723, MA3;
Lehrinhalt: 12-0192

Last modified: Mo 07.09.2020 15:33