An introduction to literary and critical social theory. Key concepts include: race, gender, sexuality, power, difference, reading, author, meaning,...
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reviews
Aug 06, 2011
Tara
rated it: 
One of the most complex areas of teaching in the humanities is 'theory.' It is odd how the word 'theory' is used, both outside and inside universities. It carries the connotation of being abstract, difficult, pointless, esoteric and difficult. It can be all of these attributes. However the notion that there is a space, place or position 'outside' of theory always amuses me.
When we put our shoes on in the morning, we have a theory about dressing. First trousers. Then shoes. T More...
When we put our shoes on in the morning, we have a theory about dressing. First trousers. Then shoes. T More...
Feb 06, 2011
The Awdude
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This book is a great intro to critical theory on a broad scale (although it typically and disappointingly excludes psychoanalytic theory, which is understandable since Nealon is a Marxist-Deleuzean and has written a book on Foucault, who presumably would have omitted Lacan from any overview of theory he might have written). Nealon is a great writer (I don't know much about his co-author) and I also highly recommend his book on Foucault. There's only so much you can do with an intro book like thi
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Sep 22, 2007
Robert
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Being a little fed up by perpetual confusion on matters of "theory" (cultural anthropology, I suppose) in reading about art or literature or film or even pop music, I was recommended this book. It's written specifically for freshmen in college -- so it puts things in layman's terms etc, which I appreciated a lot. And it's references are very user-friendly for someone my age (or younger, really) -- gang of four, beavis & butthead, television ads. And that's essential to this whole in
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Mar 16, 2011
Holland
rated it:
Necessary and foundational concepts, this book changes the way you go about life. It forces you to rethink the most fundamental patterns of thinking. Nevertheless, it is pretentious and can get repetitive. Fairly long-winded, a model of sitting in a lecture hall and listening to that professor with the checkered bow tie.
Jul 16, 2009
Scott
rated it:
I am currently sitting in SUPA training and we have to read this book. As it is slowing down my nightly progress of "Pride and Predjudice and Zombies" I thought I should add at least one of the books to my list.
Sep 25, 2008
Lorraine
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Another great book if you want to step out of your comfort zone. It discuss theories about life, society in general. Theories on race, gender, queer, and more are touched here. Read it! I would love to discuss this book with anyone who reads it!
Jun 27, 2008
Thomas
rated it:
A Thought-provoking Explanation of what all that terminology really means
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