2015-30

Arizona State University
University Senate
Fall 2014

Senate Motion #2015-30

Motion Introduced by: Curriculum and Academic Programs Committe, Kathleen Puckett, Chair

Date of First Reading: December 1, 2014

Date of Second Reading: January 26, 2015

Title of Motion: Request from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences – Department of English- for the establishment of a graduate certificate – Critical Theory

Action Requested: The Curriculum and Academic Programs Committee recommends University Senate approval of a proposal submitted by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences – Department of English – for the establishment of a graduate certificate – Critical Theory

Rationale: The Graduate Certificate in Critical Theory will provide students with deep background in cultural and social theory, emphasizing critical and analytic skills based in concepts derived from Continental Philosophy. Such knowledge and skills are used widely in teaching and research in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. This is a trans-disciplinary certificate, with opportunities to study theoretical approaches as applied across a range of arts, humanities, and social sciences disciplines. Critical theory is a highly marketable supplement to disciplinary training. It provides students with the ability to solve problems in interpretation and analysis both within a discipline and in the practical engagement with a variety of social and cultural sites. Critical theory is a mode of helping one think through problems across disciplines.