Theorizing Subjectivity, Discourse And Ideology

Course Code: MMAPSO_01

Masters Level Module

Conceptions of ideology, discourse and subjectivity help us to think about the relation between the individual and the language, conventions and expectations of the political and social world. These concepts can also help us to explore aspects of identity such as gender, class, ethnicity and sexuality, and the ways in which these dimensions of identity are regulated or performed within social and educational institutions. The sessions will be based around key texts within psychoanalytically informed social theory by authors such as Althusser, Foucault, Butler, Zizek, Laclau, Mouffe and Deleuze & Guattari. We will compare and contrast the conceptual frameworks developed by these authors and consider how they may help us to interpret educational practices. These ideas underpin much research in the field of psychosocial studies and will help participants to develop a conceptual framework for their dissertation / report. The module is specifically designed to provide participants with an opportunity to develop skills in reading and analysing theoretical texts. Assessment is by coursework, and there are opportunities to receive formative feedback throughout the module to support understanding and writing. Teaching takes place in the summer term over three Saturdays (6 hours) and four Thursday evenings (2.5 hours). This is a core module for the MA Psychosocial Studies and Education, but it is open to students from other MA programmes. Please contact the module leader, Dr Claudia Lapping, to discuss the module's coverage further.

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