Unit information: The Frankfurt School in 2026/27

Unit name	The Frankfurt School
Unit code	PHIL30141
Credit points	20
Level of study	H/6
Teaching block(s)	Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director	Dr. Wilhelm
Open unit status	Not open
Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units)	None
Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units)	None
Units you may not take alongside this one	None
School/department	Department of Philosophy
Faculty	Faculty of Arts

Unit Information

This unit provides students with the opportunity to make an in depth study of one or more central themes that emerge in the work of the philosophers of the Frankfurt School, covering various “generations” of Critical Theorists in that tradition. This is done through reading and discussing the work of particular philosophers writing in different periods with their concerns in mind, and also via a close introduction to key interpretative issues arising in the reception of their work. The course will also analyse the role of Frankfurt School Critical Theory and some of the key ideas in the context of global critical theories.

The unit aims to give students a deep understanding of one or more central themes in the work of philosophers working in this distinct tradition in 20th and 21st century. The themes will be of enduring philosophical interest and significance. The positions and arguments advanced by particular philosophers in developing the theme(s) will be considered and assessed, and their continuing importance brought out.

Examples of possible themes and corresponding philosophers that might be studied: the idea of a critical social theory proposed by Max Horkheimer and Herbert Marcuse, the critique of philosophy (and key themes in social critique) put forward by Adorno and its links to decolonical critiques of European philosophy.

Your learning on this unit

On successful completion of this unit students will be able to demonstrate:

1. a deep understanding of one or more central themes developed in the Frankfurt School, and why they are philosophically important;
   
2. a solid understanding of the critiques of philosophical approaches put forward by various philosophers in the tradition of the Frankfurt School and an understanding of the nature of one approach to interdisciplinarity and associated problems;
   
3. an ability to engage critically with the positions and arguments of these philosophers, both historical and contemporary, at a depth suitable to level H, and offer their own assessment of them;
   
4. skills in reading philosophy, constructing and evaluating arguments, and writing philosophy at an advanced level, building on the skills acquired in units at level I and level C.
   
5. an ability to self-reflect and respond to criticisms of own work, combining knowledge, understanding and flexibility
   
6. the ability to work collaboratively with others to analyse philosophical ideas, and to work together as a group to produce a presentation.

How you will learn

Lectures, small group work, individual exercises, seminars and virtual learning environment.

How you will be assessed

Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative): 

None


Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative): 

1. Group Presentation (20%) [ILOs 1-3, 6]
   
   
2. Short Essay (2000 words) with Viva (80%) [ILOs 1-5]

When assessment does not go to plan

When required by the Board of Examiners, you will normally complete reassessments in the same formats as those outlined above. However, the Board reserves the right to modify the form or number of reassessments required. Details of reassessments are normally confirmed by the School shortly after the notification of your results at the end of the academic year. 

Resources

If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.

If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. PHIL30141).

How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks, independent learning and assessment activity.

See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.

Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.

The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit. The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.