SCHOOL OF INFORMATION STUDIES
University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
L&I Sci 891: Critical Theories Applied: The Case of Problematic Subject Representation
Spring 2013
3 credits
SYLLABUS
Instructor:Hope A. Olson
Office:Northwest Quadrant (NWQ), Building B, Room 2592
Phone:1-414-229-3973 (schedule phone meetings via email for most expeditious results)
Email:
Office hours:TBA and by appointment
Fax: 1-414-229-6699
Catalog Description:This seminar will introduce a range of critical theories broadly defined and apply them to the problems of harmful perspectives in subject representation
Description:This seminar will go beyond the critical theory of the Frankfurt School (Adorno, Horkheimer, Marcuse, et al) which focused on rehabilitating Marxism. Rather, this seminar will examine the descendants of that tradition and of its revision by Habermas to look at the expanded definition of critical theory to critical theories which now include poststructuralism, feminist theory, postcolonial theory, queer theory, critical race theory, postcolonialism, etc. Each unit will take concepts, ideas, and techniques from a critical theoretical approach and apply them to the issues that have long surrounded subject representation in knowledge organization systems. Readings reflect this approach.
Competencies:Upon completion of this course students will have achieved the following objectives. They will be able to:
1)Identify and question underlying presumptions of (mainly western) culture using critical theories
2)Interpret critical theories
3)Identify parallels between critical theories and knowledge organization, specifically the case of subject representation
4)Apply ideas from critical theories to knowledge organization
5)Develop a depth of understanding of the case of subject representation
6)Transfer the abilities to interpret and apply critical theory to other contexts
7)Look at the world from an epistemic perspective radically different from the conventional stance
Prerequisites:
Grad-St.; L&I Sci 901or consent of instructor
Some background knowledge of information organization is recommended, although the course may be taken for the methods and methodologies of critical theorieswith subject representation as a case demonstrating their application. Students uncertain about the applicability of this course to their programs are encouraged to consult the instructor.
Format: This course is a classic seminar. Students will complete thereadings in preparation and then discuss online.
Texts:Required text is:
Ashcroft, Bill, Gareth Griffiths, Helen Tiffin. 2000. Post-Colonial Studies: The Key Concepts. 2nd ed. London: Routledge. ISBN-13: 978-0415345651
Other readings will be drawn from the two literatures of critical theories and of knowledge organization including classic texts, recent theory development and interpretations, and examples of relevant research.Additional readings will be available for each unit. Students are encouraged to add to and/or annotate this additional reading list.
Evaluation and grading:
MLIS students
15% class participation
60% - 3 concept reports @ 20%
25% - review paper
PhD students
15% class participation
30% individual journals on research 10 entries @3%
30% 3 concept reports @ 10%
25% review article