French (Post)Structuralist Origins of Critical Theory

3 ch (3C) · Undergraduate

Examines the French origins of Critical Theory, from Ferdinand de Saussure to post-structuralists, including Jacques Lacan, Roland Barthes, Gilles Deleuze, Michel Foucault, Jean Baudrillard, Jacques Derrida, and Julia Kristeva. Additional topics include the originality of Saussure’s theory, semiotics, the discourse of power structures, and the idea of social constructs. Taught in English but students may do their readings and coursework in English or French.