Critical and Cultural Theory (MA) (2022 Entry)
The MA in Critical and Cultural Theory will equip you with the analytical tools and concepts to respond to, understand, theorise, and critique the literary and cultural artefacts of the modern world. In the dedicated core module, you will immerse yourself in fundamental theoretical questions through individual reading and collective discussion.
You can also choose from a wide range of modules that span a variety of critical perspectives and approaches to literary studies, and grapple with the ideas of some of the great critical thinkers. You will also write a dissertation on an (approved) topic of your choice with a specialised supervisor.
65% in an undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a related subject.
English Language requirements header
- Band C
- IELTS overall score of 7.5, minimum component scores of two at 6.5/7.0 and the rest at 7.5 or above.
International requirements header
Additional requirements header
There are no additional entry requirements for this course.
Critical and Cultural Theory Today
Critical and Cultural Theory has never been more vibrant, nor more urgently needed, than today. Work in all areas of the Humanities has long been inextricably intertwined with critical reflection, often drawing from a multiplicity of disciplines, from philosophy and sociology, to literary and visual studies.
This module charts key developments in the development of critical and cultural theories, focusing on specific movements or schools, and methodologies, as well as on important figures such as Adorno, Arendt, Brown, Buell, Butler, Derrida, Gramsci, Hall, Lacan, Latour, Mulvey, and Williams. We explore different, often clashing, critical perspectives on culture, from textual, material, philosophical, and other perspectives. These situated, and often transnational, critical platforms, allow us to both map historical developments in the study of the Humanities. The interaction between aesthetics, culture, and societal issues remains a permanent concern throughout the module.
Dissertation
The Dissertation offers you the opportunity to pursue your own distinct research interests. You can develop any idea you’ve discovered in your modules, or write on a completely new topic that has always fascinated you. Our students choose an array of topics within the broadly-conceived boundaries of ‘literary studies’, although we’ll discuss with you to make sure your subject can be supported by an available member of our teaching staff.
Students often use their MA dissertations as springboards to PhD projects, and have sometimes gone on to publish parts of their work in scholarly journals.
Optional module header
- Feminist Literary Theory
- Postcolonial Theory
- Fundamentals of World Literature
- Modernism and Psychoanalysis
- Petrofiction Studies in World Literature
- Psychoanalysis and Creativity
For more information, please visit the Critical and Cultural Theory web page on the English website.
The MA in Critical and Cultural Theory comprises a Research Methods module, the core module, Critical Theory Today, three further optional modules, and a Dissertation of 16,000 words. You can take one of your three optional modules from outside of the department, including the Institute for Advanced Teaching and Learning.
Class size header
Seminars consist of 5 to 10 students.
Contact hours header
Contact hours comprise 4 hours of seminars a week, 2 office hours per member of staff, weekly reading groups and research seminars, and one-to-one Dissertation supervision in terms 2 and 3.
Assessment header
All essays are marked by two members of staff. The standard length for essays for modules on this course is 6,000 words; the Dissertation is 16,000 words. Marks are given out of 100.
For more information, please visit the Critical and Cultural Theory web page on the English website.
Reading lists
Most departments have reading lists available through Warwick Library. If you would like to view reading lists for the current cohort of students you can visit our Warwick Library web page.
Your timetable
Your personalised timetable will be complete when you are registered for all modules, compulsory and optional, and you have been allocated to your lectures, seminars and other small group classes. Your compulsory modules will be registered for you and you will be able to choose your optional modules when you join us.