About the Ashworth Program in Social Theory
The Ashworth Program in Social Theory is housed within the School of Social and Environmental Enquiry and draws on high-level expertise and a wide range of related disciplines across the Faculty of Arts. The program provides a context where the theoretical and substantive issues raised in other disciplines may be critically examined and further explored. This makes social theory an appropriate choice for students with an interest in any of the social or human sciences. Social Theory is an interdisciplinary program that investigates the everyday assumptions that shape our lives and reflects in a systematic andd ciritical manner on the ways in which social life is organised and, sometimes, transformed. Principal themes addressed in the program include contemporary critical and social theories, psychoanalytic theory and the nature of identity, and themes that critique modernity and postmodernity, forms of agency and rationality.
Students interested in expanding their interests and knowledge in social theory are provided with an articulated structure of higher degree options at the University of Melbourne. The Ashworth Program offers an extensive range of postgraduate courses, leading to Masters and PhD research degrees in Social Theory. Students may undertake a major sequence in Social Theory as part of their undergraduate degree; however Social Theory subjects are not offered at first year level. Students interested in completing a major sequence of study are advised to consult staff from the Ashworth Program or a faculty course adviser for appropriate subject choices in the first year of study. An honours degree is offered in Social Theory at fourth year level as a combined program of study. Pure Honours is not available in Social Theory.
The Ashworth Program is home to a vibrant research community within the university. The Program publishes Critical Horizons, a journal of social and critical theory, and hosts conferences, colloquia and seminar programs on a regular basis. It attracts eminent scholars to the University of Melbourne as visiting research fellows and boasts a distinguished list of international associates. The international community of scholars consolidates the research expertise and academic supervision provided to postgraduate students. The wide ranging academic interests that may be served by study and research in this area is reflected in the diverse range of research specialisations that may be undertaken in Social Theory. A variety of career pathways is available to graduates of the program, drawing on the analytical and research knowledge gained in Social Theory. Students interested in expanding their interests and knowledge in social theory are provided with an articulated structure of higher degree options at The University of Melbourne.
Information
Enquiries about the faculty program in Social Theory should be directed to The Ashworth Program in Social Theory.
Until 31st December 2007
Dr John Rundell
Room 147, Old Arts Building (ground floor)
T: +61 3 8344 7287
E: johnfr@unimelb.edu.au
Dr John Cash
Room 146B, Old Arts Building (ground floor)
T: +61 3 8344 6668
E: johndc@unimelb.edu.au
After 1st of January 2008
The School of Social and Environmental Enquiry
Ground Floor 221 Bouverie St., Carlton 3053
T: +61 3 8344 9311 or 83445 9382