Module manager: Dr Eric Prenowitz
Email: e.prenowitz@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) View Timetable
Year running 2024/25
This module is approved as an Elective
This module introduces deconstruction through a close consideration of a range of works by Jacques Derrida. Guaranteed to blow your mind. It explores deconstructive approaches to the analysis of cultural forms, institutions and artefacts, beginning with Derrida’s critique of Western metaphysics, and highlighting ‘deconstructive figures’. While the module stresses reading Derrida’s extraordinary texts, and deconstruction itself as a practice of reading, we also address the ethical and political ramifications of such reading and thinking.
Students will gain an in-depth understanding of deconstruction. You will be familiar with deconstructive approaches, gestures and figures, and the deconstructive critique of philosophy, including critical and political theory. You will develop strong interpretive and close reading skills, both in the analysis of texts by Derrida and in the deconstructive analysis of cultural forms, institutions and artefacts. This module will encourage you to think critically about what you know and about knowledge itself, as a cultural (philosophical, political) construct.
On completion of this module you will be able to:
1. Identify key critical concepts or moves developed by Derrida, including some of the political implications of deconstruction.
2. Identify classical binary oppositions in culture, language and thinking, as well as ‘deconstructive figures’ that disobey these binaries.
3. Produce deconstructive analyses of a range of cultural artefacts.
Skills Learning Outcomes
On completion of this module you will have developed skills in:
4. The ability to recognise and express knowledge and understanding and how it relates to personal experience and to demonstrate learning and growth from the experience.
5. The ability to weigh up different arguments and perspectives, using supporting evidence to form opinions, arguments, theories and ideas.
Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lecture | 10 | 2 | 20 |
| Seminar | 10 | 1 | 10 |
| Private study hours | 270 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 30 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 300 | ||
Students receive written feedback on both essays. Discussion sessions in the third hour will also contribute to formative feedback, as will meetings during office hours or essay prep sessions.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Coursework | Written | 30 |
| Coursework | Written | 70 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
There is no reading list for this module
Last updated: 8/29/2024
Errors, omissions, failed links etc should be notified to the Catalogue Team