GV988-7-FY-CO:
Ideology and Political Discourse
2022/23
Government
Colchester Campus
Full Year
Postgraduate: Level 7
Current
Thursday 06 October 2022
Friday 30 June 2023
30
22 May 2022
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
MA L20212 Ideology and Discourse Analysis,
MA L202EB Ideology and Discourse Analysis
This module 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. The module also 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 (e.g. 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.
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 (e.g. 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
On completing this module, students should have:
1. a good understanding of different approaches to ideology and discourse analysis;
2. the ability to engage critically with the key texts and concepts discussed in the module;
3. the capacity to initiate independent research from a discourse theory perspective.
Students will also be expected to make short class presentations but these are not formally assessed. The class presentations are typically based on the seminar readings assigned to specific weeks. Presenters will act as discussants, pinpointing issues that are of special interest and raising questions for discussion.
This module does not appear to have a published bibliography for this year.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
| Coursework |
Essay 1 |
|
50% |
| Coursework |
Essay 2 |
|
50% |
Additional coursework information
Students must write two essays, both of which are assessed. Apart from the usual seminar participation in discussion and debate, students are also assigned compulsory oral presentations, but these are not formally assessed. Students do not have a final examination for this module.
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Prof Jason Glynos, email: ljglyn@essex.ac.uk.
Prof David Howarth, email: davidh@essex.ac.uk.
David Howarth/Jason Glynos
Module Supervisors: Jason Glynos, ljglyn@essex.ac.uk / David Howarth, davidh@essex.ac.uk
Yes
No
Yes
Dr Patrick Bayer
University of Glasgow
Lecturer in International Relations
Dr Adrian Florea
University of Glasgow
Senior Lecturer in International Relations
Available via Moodle
Of 40 hours, 40 (100%) hours available to students:
0 hours not recorded due to service coverage or fault;
0 hours not recorded due to opt-out by lecturer(s), module, or event type.
Government
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