Undergraduate Module Descriptor

PHL3115: Introduction to Critical Theory

This module descriptor refers to the 2019/0 academic year.

Overview

NQF Level 6
Credits 15 ECTS Value 7.5
Term(s) and duration

This module ran during term 1 (11 weeks)

Academic staff

Dr Christine Hauskeller (Convenor)

Pre-requisites

None

Co-requisites

None

Available via distance learning

No

The 20th century confronted modernity with its inherent paradoxical nature. Rationality, science and technology seemed not to deliver the promise of more freedom, equality and fairness. The advanced modern German society turned into a barbaric state, a mass-murdering ideological war machine. Totalitarianism, economic exploitation, ideology and great wars characterize the seemingly enlightened 20th century. The social place of each individual is insecure; she is individualized and alienated from her work and society, easily replaceable. Depression and aloneness become major social problems in a world of global trade and mass-media. The promise of happiness is increasingly reduced to private love and sex relations.

Critical Theory as advanced by the Frankfurt School and developed by many philosophers since then, is rediscovered in its relevance for philosophical understandings of our present time. Concepts such as Alienation or Fetishization, and the critique of ideologies in the interactions between the modern state and changing forms of capitalism are rediscovered and applied to today’s problems. Racism and identity politics, authoritarianism and populism, big data capitalism and monetization of our most personal experiences, as we post them online are

The module requires no prior knowledge on the course topic. You need to bring and contribute a lively interest in the topics outlined in the module materials and must take the time to read and analyse philosophical texts that are not easy to read. This is an optional module for the Single Honours programme in Philosophy. Because of the social science relevance, it is open to students from other schools as an optional course in philosophy.

Module created

01/01/2019

Last revised

01/01/2019