Module Directory

This module introduces key ideas associated with political discourse theory, situating this within the broader field of critical political theory.

The aims of the module are:

• To examine the work of scholars in critical political and social theory who draw on a wide range of sources, including psychoanalysis, post-marxism, and contemporary continental philosophy.


• To critically engage with their respective conceptual frameworks and presuppositions.


• To probe the insights these perspectives generate for political analysis and ideological critique.


• To unpack the visions they project and evaluate their prospects for effective and sustained political action and ideological critique in a time of ‘poly-crisis’ (economic, political, and ecological crises, among others).


• To explore associated discussions and debates organized around broad themes, such as the economy, democracy, and the planetary ecosystem.

By the end of this module, students should have:

1. A good understanding of key principles and concepts of a range of perspectives in critical political theory, including political discourse theory.


2. A good grasp of a range of concepts and theoretical frameworks with which to understand key aspects of the economy, democracy, and the planetary ecosystem.


3. The ability to engage critically with scholars, texts, and concepts discussed in the module.


4. The capacity to initiate independent research in critical political theory.

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.

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.