The Program in Critical Theory’s three core-course requirements are intended to establish an historical and normative framework for understanding critical theory in its current breadth. DE students’ evaluations confirm that these courses have been overwhelmingly successful. This three core-course sequence (a) explores the concept of critique in German Idealism and in related philosophical work (Critical Theory 200), (b) provides intensive exposure to the Frankfurt School and its legacies (Critical Theory 205); and (c) robustly engages contemporary forms of critical theory and their relations to historical, sociopolitical, and cultural studies, as well as to debates on social norms (Critical Theory 240). In addition to requiring the three core courses, The Program in Critical Theory also requires DE students to take two elective courses. As with the core courses, various elective courses are offered each semester by Critical Theory faculty in Anthropology, Comparative Literature, Education, English, Ethnic Studies, Film and Media Studies, French, Gender and Women’s Studies, Geography, German, History, History of Art, Interdisciplinary Studies, Italian, Law, Music, Performance Studies, Philosophy, Political Science, Public Health, Rhetoric, Spanish and Portuguese, Sociology, and South and Southeast Asian Studies, among others. The Program in Critical Theory and its DE offer graduate fellowships, host international scholars, and present lectures, seminars, and other events for the wider campus and San Francisco Bay Area communities. The Program also maintains important collaborative relations with other critical theory institutes and programs nationally and internationally.
Petitions for admission to the DE are accepted each spring for admission to the program the following fall. There are approximately 15 new students admitted each year to the DE in Critical Theory. For information on admissions and programs, please attend the annual Designated Emphasis Open House and Information Session. You may also view a recording of last year’s Virtual Open House here. Questions may also be sent to critical_theory@berkeley.edu.
