Theoretical and Critical Perspectives, Liverpool John Moores University, 2013-2014

A second year undergraduate module that introduces students to the dominant trends in cultural and literary theory. It takes place across two semesters and covers a range of theoretical perspectives. Topics and theories covered include Liberal Humanism, New Criticism, Marxism, Cultural Materialism, Theory and Popular Culture, Feminism, Gender and Queer Theory, Psychoanalysis, Postcolonialism, Poststructuralism and Deconstructon, and Postmodernism.

Students are assessed by written assignments and exams, but they are also required to contribute a total of 2000 words in discussion board posts of up to 200 words, split evenly across the two semesters. As a stimulus for discussion and a source for the application of theory, I've selected a range of texts from newspapers, music videos and interviews for students to consider.