Postcolonial Theory
| Code | School | Level | Credits | Semesters |
| MLAC4090 | Media, Languages and Cultures | 4 | 20 | Spring Malaysia |
- Code
- MLAC4090
- School
- Media, Languages and Cultures
- Level
- 4
- Credits
- 20
- Semesters
- Spring Malaysia
Summary
This module provides a general introduction to the key theorists and debates that constitute the rich field of postcolonial theory. During the late 1980s-90s, with roots in literary and critical studies, postcolonial scholars sought to make the study of the western literary canon political by querying the historical and material conditions of producing such literature. They incorporated Marxism, poststructuralism and psychoanalysis in their approach and interpretations, and were inspired by anti-colonial and nationalist movements. This module is interested in the influence of postcolonial thought and its ethical commitment to emancipation in disciplines such as sociology, modernism studies, cultural studies and area studies (Thailand). It is interested in the continual dominance of European (and American) thought and concerned about its hegemonic power over the state of knowledge and practices in (postcolonial/developing?) societies in their unquestioning regard and quest for modernity, development and market capitalism. The module makes the case for the continuing importance of postcolonial theory as an emancipatory project that both describes the origins of the inequalities in the current world order and attempts to imagine progressive alternatives.
Target Students
Students registered on the MA Media, Communication and Culture. Students from other MA courses will be admitted with the approval of the course convenor. There is a limited number of places on this module. Students are reminded that enrolments which are not agreed by the offering school in advance may be cancelled without notice.
Classes
- One 2-hour seminar each week for 12 weeks
Assessment
- 20% Coursework A: two 500-word journals
- 20% Coursework B: consisting of a 2000 -word draft of their final essay
- 60% Coursework C: one 4,000 word final essay on a topic of their own choice
Assessed by end of spring semester
Educational Aims
Students learn a range of critical theories about postcolonialism, as well as a range of postcolonial theories. They gain a broad understanding of the relation between postcolonial and other theories as well as a critical appreciation of postcolonial political, literary and film texts and a specialist knowledge of at least one theory.Learning Outcomes
Knowledge and Understanding:
A1. Knowledge and understanding of a range of critical theories about postcolonialism, as well as a range of postcolonial theories.
A2. Specialised knowledge and understanding of at least one theory.
A3. Ability independently and critically to appraise the theories studied in conceptual terms with reference to secondary sources.
A4. Ability to apply the theories reflexively to postcolonial political, literary and film texts.
Intellectual Skills:
B1. Ability to develop and sustain a coherent argument.
B2. Advanced textual interpretation and analysis.
B3. Conceptual dexterity.
B4. Understanding and appraisal of complex ideas.
B5. Critical analysis of concrete phenomena.
Professional/practical Skills:
C1. Scholarly referencing and bibliographical skills
C2. Selection, sifting and synthesis of knowledge from various sources
C3. Accurate and adroit presentation of knowledge
Transferable Skills:
D1. Ability to express complex ideas clearly and coherently in writing and speech
D2. Word processing
D3. Collation and distillation of conceptual information
D4. Conceptual problem solving
D5. Independent, critical thinking
Conveners
- Mr Ahmad Fuad Rahmat