Criticism, Literature, Theory MA

This MA combines cutting edge theory with critical invention, exploring the cross-disciplinary force of literature as it traverses multiple media. Taught by leading researchers in the field, it provides a context of stimulating seminars and debates designed to foster an extensive grounding in a wide range of theoretical approaches, alongside a thorough development of analytical and interpretative techniques, high levels of presentation and communication skills, and guidance for independent research.

What will you study?

Its primary core module Theory at its Limits examines readings at the forefront of contemporary critical debates, looking at recent writings and current reinterpretations within the theoretical field. Topics include: new psychoanalytic symptoms and neoliberalism; ethics after excess (Badiou/ Lacan); State, power, politics (reading Foucault after Kojève, Rancière after Althusser); political differences (from Deleuze and Guattari to Agamben, Derrida, Schmitt and Benjamin); control, crisis, media; negativities (base materialism meets non-philosophy). The second core module Critical Methods is based on research-led seminars conducted by international specialists in the field, offering rigorous preparation for an independently-researched dissertation. (Recent speakers at Kingston have included Giorgio Agamben, Étienne Balibar,  Andrew Benjamin, Geoffrey Bennington, Drucilla Cornell, Simon Critchley, François Laruelle, China Miéville, Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, and Samuel Weber).

Optional modules are offered under the general heading Critical Explorations, drawing on current projects being undertaken by members of the Faculty. These options allow students to engage with research as it is being developed and to participate in the process of discovery, questioning, argument and analysis. Current options include: Horror Theories; Unconscious Inside Out; Sleep in Theory; Rhythmanalysis: Theories of Rythmn and Affect and Philosophical Systems after Hegel. Other options are available from cognate MA programmes in the Faculty. These may include: Critique, Practice, Power; Cinematic Animals; The Object of New Media and Creative Media.

Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list.

Core modules

• Critical Conjunctions
• Critical Methods
• Criticism, Literature, Theory Dissertation

Optional modules

• Concepts of Critique
• Critical and Cultural Theory: Identity and Representation
• Critical Explorations I
• Critical Explorations II
• Film Analysis and Theory
• German Critical Theory
• Special Study: Punk and Post-Punk

The range of events and lectures in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences enhances your studies and adds an extra perspective to your learning. Find out more...

Visit the London Graduate website for information about our stimulating environment that brings together:

• world-leading scholars in literature, culture, media, theory, and philosophy;
• major figures in contemporary art practice, film-making and writing; and
• ambitious and creative students working at the forefront of their disciplinary and interdisciplinary fields.