Critical Theory Since the 1960s

This subject is not offered in 2015.

Total 85 Hours

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

This subject elective will focus on some of the key developments in critical theory since the 1960s, drawing upon theoretical traditions from across the humanities and social sciences. This subject will critically evaluate some of the key theoretical models, their historical influences (eg the Frankfurt School), and their points of intersection. Theoretical traditions and areas to be explored include structuralism and cultural anthropology; semiotics, intertextuality and post-structuralism; psychoanalysis, ideology and feminism; postmodernism; sense theory; and theories of spatiality and human geography. Some of the writings by major theorists to be explored include Claude Levi-Strauss, Julia Kristeva, Roland Barthes, Michel Foucault, Louis Althusser, Laura Mulvey, Judith Butler, Donna Haraway, Jacques Lacan, Fredric Jameson, Jean Baudrillard, Henri Lefebvre, Michel de Certeau, Edward Soja, Giulana Bruno, Paul Rodaway, Vivian Sobchack and Laura U. Marks.

This subject will appeal particularly to students who are interested in understanding and exploring some of the main writings and ideas in contemporary critical theory, and considering their practical application to the analysis of literary, screen, visual and other media forms.

To provide advanced intensive instruction in a topic or area of scholarship in the humanities, social sciences or creative arts. A student who completes this subject should have:

• enhanced knowledge of the topic or area of scholarship taught in the module;
• an ability to reflect upon their own research work in relation to the content of the module;
• enhanced engagement with leading-edge research in Arts today.

• one 500-word essay proposal. Due during the teaching period (20%)
• one 2000-word essay. Due within four weeks of completion of teaching (80%)

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.