This module has two principal aims. First, it introduces, develops, and critically engages key strands of poststructuralist discourse theory, including post-marxism, deconstruction, structural linguistics, and psychoanalytic theory. In particular, it clarifies key theoretical categories by examining their associated conceptual frameworks and presuppositions, by probing their value for political analysis and ideological critique, and by exploring their usefulness in relation to selected case illustrations. Second, the module engages with a set of contemporary debates in political and social theory, for which the categories of discourse and matter have become central. Using the economy and related contemporary debates (eg., about the global financial crisis and public service reforms) as a central theme and reference point, it engages with the work of scholars who draw on a wide range of sources, including psychoanalysis, post-marxism, contemporary continental philosophy, and actor network theory, focusing on the analytical insights these perspectives generate, the visions they project, as well as their take on the prospects for political action and ideological critique.
On completing this module, students should have a good understanding of different approaches to ideology and discourse analysis; the ability to engage critically with the key texts and concepts discussed in the module; and the capacity to initiate independent research from a discourse theory perspective.