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Objectives
Utopian Studies enable you to gain an understanding of the key ideas, literatures, theories and critical viewpoints which currently characterise the study of Utopia as a theoretical and/or practical realm in which a specific society realises the form of its liberation.
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Entry requirements
Entry requirements 1st or upper 2nd-class hons degree in an arts, humanities or social science field (or equivalent); written project proposal of 500 words as evidence of awareness of the field & aptitude for the programme, plus suitable academic references.
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Academic title
MRes Utopian Studies
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Course description
Programme highlights
-Unique, interdisciplinary programme and dynamic critical ambience
-Close supervision in small groups or individually
-Fast track to MPhil/PhD
-International symposia and seminars organised by the Centre for Critical Cultural Research
Duration
1 year full time or 2 years part time
General programme structure
Utopian Studies integrates research on histories, theories and practices of social transformation, in radical philosophy, the arts and humanities, and the social sciences.
The programme consists of three elements:
1. a subject-specific module on utopian studies in which students will examine one aspect of the field in depth (see below)
2. a generic module in research methods in the arts and humanities
3. a written thesis of 20,000 words addressing in depth a specific issue arising from the literatures of the subject and programme discussion
The field of Utopian Studies is articulated in three aspects:
a. early modern literatures (eg Thomas More’s Utopia)
b. 20th-century utopian theory (eg the Frankfurt School)
c. contemporary practical utopias (eg intentional communities and eco-villages)
Students are encouraged to think radically, speculatively and imaginatively while being firmly grounded theoretically and conceptually; and to evolve methods of inquiry and presentation appropriate to their research question.
Read more about studying an MRes in the Faculty of Arts.
Detailed programme structure
-Subject-specific module consists of a staff-led introduction to the field followed by student-led discussion on particular aspects;
-Emphasis is determined each year by the student group;
-Delivered through weekly tutorials or in small group discussions, depending on numbers;
-Students are encouraged to relate theories to contemporary practical cases of alternative social and cultural structures.
