Module Directory

This module introduces, develops, and critically engages key strands of poststructuralist discourse theory, including post-marxism, structural linguistics, deconstruction, and psychoanalytic theory.

The aims of this module are:

• To examine conceptual frameworks and presuppositions associated with different strands of poststructuralist discourse theory.


• To probe their value for political analysis and ideological critique.


• To explore their usefulness in relation to selected case illustrations.

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:

1. Have a good understanding of poststructuralist political discourse theory, including an appreciation of how approaches to ideology and discourse analysis can vary.


2. Have an appreciation of how the assumptions, principles, and categories of poststructuralist discourse theory relate to broader debates in political theory adn analysis.


3. Have the ability to engage criticaly with key texts and concepts discussed in the module.


4. Have the capacity to initiate independent research from a discourse theory perspective.

Students will also be expected to make short class presentations, but these are not formally assessed. The class presentations are typically based on the seminar readings assigned to specific weeks. Presenters will act as discussants, pinpointing issues that are of special interest and raising questions for discussion.

This module will be delivered via:

• A two-hour weekly seminar, using readings and other resources listed on Moodle and Talis.

Teaching format will vary from week to week, but in general will feature a combination of lectures, class discussions, student presentations, and other activities. Members of the seminar are expected to prepare for each seminar by reading and reflecting on the essential texts.

Students will also be expected to make short class presentations, but these are not formally assessed. The class presentations are typically based on the seminar readings assigned to specific weeks. Presenters will act as discussants, pinpointing issues that are of special interest and raising questions for general discussion.

What we expect of you:

• To attend seminars after having done the required preparatory work, especially the reading of essential texts.
• To reflect on the readings before the seminars and be ready to discuss them. For example: try to identify the key assumptions in the texts; map the structure of the argument; underline important conclusions; and highlight points you don’t understand. (If you don’t understand something, it is likely others have not understood it either, so don’t be shy to ask.) Ask yourself whether you agree with the text, whether you can identify weaknesses or gaps in the argument, and how someone who disagrees with it might argue against it.
• To pay attention and take notes as necessary.
• To offer your participation as part of a general communal endeavour (eg., through presentations, discussion, and asking and answering questions).
• To treat module material appropriately, whether these are handouts, power point slides, or video lectures. These are meant for private educational use only, and should not be edited, distributed or posted anywhere without explicit authorization.