Notes to Future Students — Student Anastasija Kiake in conversation with Public Sandberg

CRITICAL STUDIES

The Critical Studies Department offers a two-year Master’s program in critical thought and inquiry. The program provides an open, interdisciplinary environment for the development of an independent research practice while giving students a grounding in contemporary critical theory. We are especially interested in forms of study and inquiry at odds with traditional academic frameworks, including practice-led research and experimental writing.

Over the course of their studies, participants work on a series of semester-long research projects, which are shared and discussed in the context of regular research seminars. In tandem with this, students are supported in the development of a writing practice through a series of biweekly seminars with a focus on experimental approaches to critical and creative writing. In weekly theory seminars, organised in small series and taught by different tutors, students are provided with an introduction to the key strands in contemporary critical thought and continental philosophy.

Besides these three core components of the course, the curriculum includes a range of lectures, events, and workshops in which specific themes are addressed in depth with visiting speakers or affiliated researchers. Additionally, participants are provided with the support and resources for the development of collaborative projects related to their research, such as public events, publications, or screenings.