University of St Andrews

Key information

SCOTCAT credits : 30

ECTS credits : 15

Level : SCQF level 10

Semester: 2

Planned timetable: To be confirmed.

The module will introduce students to critical theory and its distinctively social epistemology. After tracing the origins of critical theory in the works of Hegel, Marx, and Freud, we'll examine some of the key writings by first-generation critical theorists such as Horkheimer, Adorno, and Marcuse, as well as the discourse ethics of the most prominent contemporary critical theorist, Jürgen Habermas. We shall also be discussing some recent attempts to reshape critical theory in the light of current theoretical concerns in gender and postcolonial studies. The topics dealt with in the module include philosophy of technology, the distinctive critique of the Enlightenment and of its conception of reason, the sustained attack by critical theorists on the positivist fact/value distinction and its attendant conception of experience, and the need to characterise a set of historically informed normative values that can guide human action as part of a philosophy of liberation.

Relationship to other modules

Pre-requisite(s): Before taking this module you must pass PY1012

Learning and teaching methods and delivery

Weekly contact: Students will attend 3 hours of classes (lectures and seminars) per week. The staff member will also hold a weekly office hour for consultation with students on this module

Scheduled learning hours: 50

Guided independent study hours: 259

Assessment pattern

As used by St Andrews: Coursework = 100%

As defined by QAA
Coursework: 100%

Re-assessment: Coursework = 100%

Personnel

Module coordinator: Dr G W B Pedriali
Module teaching staff: Dr Walter Pedriali
Module coordinator email walter.pedriali@st-andrews.ac.uk