Course codes: 2695 (100% research); 2846 (66% research) + Course fees: domestic students - fee-waived RTS places available + 2 years full-time, 4 years part-time (100% research); 18 months full-time, 3 years part-time (66% research)
Critical theory is a term used to describe a whole series of contemporary approaches to textual criticism: hermeneutics and reception theory, semiotics and structuralism, post-structuralism and deconstruction, post-marxian theories of ideology and post-Freudian theories of psychoanalysis. These have all been central to recent works in literary and cultural studies. This course is designed to provide students with an introduction to this complex body of work and an opportunity to apply it to a substantive research thesis, which may focus on literary studies, cultural studies or critical theory itself. The choice of thesis topic will be made in close consultation with a thesis supervisor. Candidates intending to carry out research in comparative literature are normally expected to read literary texts in the original language. The centre welcomes applications from students with good linguistic abilities.
The minimum entry requirements are a four-year honours degree with first class or second class division A honours, or a masters qualifying with first class or second class division A honours with a grade of distinction or above for the research component. Mid-year entry is possible for the Master of Arts in Critical Theory.
The MA by research and coursework will consist of a thesis weighted at 66%, plus two 12-point units selected from the following:
Candidates undertaking the course
by research and coursework are expected to submit a thesis of 20,000 to 25,000
words.
Candidates may also undertake the degree by 100% research and are expected to
submit a thesis of 30,000 to 40,000 words.
Candidates undertaking a 66% research load will normally be required to enrol for all the units in the coursework component on Clayton campus and may then apply for transfer to external candidature.
The minimum pass grade for units in the Master of Arts is 60 C, ie a grade of credit or above is required in every unit and for the thesis.
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