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Critical Theories (SOTH30001)

Undergraduate level 3Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
July
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The aim of this subject is to introduce students to and critically examine the major debates in contemporary critical theories from Western Marxism to postmodernism. These critical theories include the German Frankfurt School, French poststructuralism, the Budapest School, post-Marxism and feminism, all of which are set against the background of the Enlightenment and the Romantic and Heidegerrean responses to it. On completion of the subject, students should have developed an understanding of the central issues and ideas of the critical theorists covered in this course and be able to convey this understanding through a critical engagement with the issues and theories in the written assessment of the course.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of this subject students should:


  • Have knowledge of the major ideas and theories of classical and contemporary critical theories;

  • Have background in critical theories on which to base further research and study in the area;

  • Have experience of thinking systematically about difficult intellectual problems of an abstract nature;

  • Have practice conducting research, speaking articulately, writing clearly and reading with attention to detail;

  • Have experience with methods of critical analysis and argument employed in critical theories leading to improved general reasoning and analytical skills;

  • Develop an understanding of the control issues and ideas of the critical theorists covered in this course;

  • Convey this understanding through a critical engagement with the issues and theories in the written assessment of the course.

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

None

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Assessment

Additional details

  • A literature review of 1000 words (40%) due early in the semester.
  • A class paper of 500 words based on tutorial discussion (10%) due mid-semester.
  • An essay of 2500 words (50%) due in early October.
  • Hurdle requirement: Students must attend a minimum of 75% of tutorials in order to pass this subject. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject. Regular participation in tutorials is required.
  • Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10 marks per working day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked.

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Dates & times

  • July
    Principal coordinatorJohn Rundell
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hours24 contact hours: 2 x 2-hour seminar per week in Weeks 1 - 6 of semester.
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period23 July 2018 to 31 August 2018
    Last self-enrol date31 July 2018
    Census date10 August 2018
    Last date to withdraw without fail14 September 2018
    Assessment period ends13 October 2018

    July contact information

    johnfr@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

Total of 170 hours

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Further information

Last updated: 14 March 2025