MA Postcolonial Studies and Intensive Language

Program Overview

This MA program in Postcolonial Studies and Intensive Language offers a comprehensive exploration of postcolonial literature, film, and media, with a focus on power dynamics and imperialism. Students develop advanced research and writing skills, gain proficiency in an additional language, and can choose to complete a dissertation on a topic of their choice. The program prepares graduates for careers in academia, research, education, journalism, and other fields.

Program Outline

MA Postcolonial Studies and Intensive Language: A Comprehensive Overview of the Program

This program seeks to offer students a focused and in-depth exploration of postcolonial studies, with a particular emphasis on the historical relationships of power, domination, and imperialism in the modern period (late nineteenth-century to the present). This exploration will be facilitated through a critical analysis of literature and culture.

Degree Overview

• Objectives:
• Develop a deep understanding of the key theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of postcolonial literature, film, and media
• Analyze a diverse range of texts from Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and the Near and Middle East
• Critically engage with the complex issues of colonialism, decolonization, neo-colonialism, nationalism, and diasporic experiences
• Develop advanced research and writing skills in the field of postcolonial studies
• Gain proficiency in an additional language, chosen from a range of options offered by the SOAS Language Centre
• Program Description:
• The program consists of two core modules, one focusing on theoretical frameworks and the other on research methods, and four optional modules chosen from a wide range of topics.
• Students also have the option to complete a dissertation on a topic of their choice.
• The intensive language component of the program allows students to develop their language skills to a high level of proficiency, which can be beneficial for both their academic and professional pursuits.

Outline

• Core Modules:
• Postcolonial Theory and Methodology
• Research Methods for Postcolonial Studies
• Optional Modules (choose 4):
• Literature and Postcolonialism
• Film and Postcolonialism
• Media and Postcolonialism
• The Postcolonial City
• Gender and Postcolonialism
• The Postcolonial Environment
• Postcolonial Literature of the Caribbean
• Postcolonial Literature of Africa
• Postcolonial Literature of Asia
• Postcolonial Literature of the Middle East
• Dissertation (optional):
• Students can choose to complete a dissertation on a topic of their choice related to postcolonial studies.

Assessment

• Assessment methods:
• Essays
• Presentations
• Research projects
• Dissertations (optional)
• Assessment criteria:
• Critical analysis
• Depth of knowledge
• Clarity of expression
• Originality of thought
• Research skills

Teaching

• Teaching methods:
• Lectures
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Individual supervision
• Faculty:
• The program is taught by a team of experienced and internationally renowned scholars in the field of postcolonial studies.
• Unique approaches:
• The program emphasizes interdisciplinarity, drawing on insights from literature, history, film studies, media studies, and other disciplines.
• The program provides students with the opportunity to engage with a diverse range of perspectives on postcolonialism.

Careers

• Potential career paths:
• Academia
• Research
• Education
• Journalism
• Policy analysis
• International development
• Cultural organizations
• Career opportunities:
• The program prepares students for a wide range of careers in both the public and private sectors.
• Graduates have gone on to work in a variety of fields, including academia, research, education, journalism, policy analysis, international development, and cultural organizations.
• Career outcomes:
• The program provides students with the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to be successful in their chosen careers.
• The program is offered full-time over two years or part-time over four years.
• Students can choose to study the program on campus at SOAS in London or online.
• The program is open to students from all academic backgrounds with a strong interest in postcolonial studies.