Critical essay (3000 words)
Any one of the following questions:
1. Fredric Jameson argues that an aesthetic of cognitive mapping is an issue of form. Discuss Jamesons account of cognitive mapping and its contemporary crises with close reference to at least one novel or film studied on the unit, and at least two of the theorists we have studied, one of which must be Fredric Jameson.
2. How far do you agree with Giorgio Agambens assertion that the camp is the hidden matrix of politics and to what extent is this claim borne out in at least one of the novels or films we have studied? Your answer must provide a close analysis of Agambens argument and make close reference to at least one other theorist.
3. Imogen Tyler argues that the relentless dehumanisation of others is central to neoliberal governmentality. Discuss this claim with close reference to at least two of the theoretical pieces and at least one novel or film studied on the unit.
4. How far do you agree with Peter Singers assertion that the sanctity of human life is in deep trouble and needs to be replaced with a new utilitarian ethic? Discuss this claim with close reference to at least one novel or film studied on the unit, and at least two of the theorists we have studied, one of which must be Peter Singer.
5. Why does Fredric Jameson argue in his critique of the political dimensions of dystopian fiction that late capitalism seems to have no natural enemies? How far do you agree with this view of the genre? Discuss this claim with close reference to at least one novel or film studied on the unit, and at least two of the theorists we have studied, one of which must be Fredric Jameson.
6. How far do you agree with Zygmunt Baumans characterisation of the impact of consumerism, digital culture and virtual connectivity on human relationships? Discuss with close reference to at least one of the novels or films studied on the unit and at least two of the theorists we have studied, one of which must be Zygmunt Bauman.
7. Emily Apter describes contemporary culture as a delirious aesthetics of systematicity held in place by the paranoid premise that everything is connected. Discuss this claim with close reference to at least two of the theoretical pieces and at least one novel or film studied on the unit.
8. To what extent do you agree with Donna Haraways envisioning of the emancipatory potential of the cyborg and the notion that advanced technology itself contains emancipatory possibilities and lends itself to emancipatory social projects? Discuss with close reference to at least one of the novels or films studied on the unit and at least two of the theorists we have studied, one of which must be Donna Haraway.
9. According to Boris Gunjevic, the Gospels are an example of a subversivesocio-literary genre. With close reference to at least one novel or film and to the work of at least two of the theorists that we have studied, critically assess his argument. Do you agree that the messianic elements of your chosen cultural text are subversive and politically radical?
10. You may construct a question on a topic of your choice in dialogue with your tutor. Your tutor must agree to the wording and your answer must engage with at least two theoretical essays and at least
