International Consortium of Critical Theory Programs | Directory of Programs, Centers, and Projects

Centre for the Study of Theory and Criticism

University of Western Ontario

The Centre for the Study of Theory and Criticism is an interdisciplinary graduate program at Western University in London, Ontario, Canada. The Theory Centre houses a graduate program offering M.A. and Ph.D. degrees for interdisciplinary research in theory and criticism, including areas of inquiry such as post-structuralist theory, deconstruction, social and political thought, continental philosophy, psychoanalysis, visual culture, media studies, gender studies, and queer theory, Marxist theory, post-humanist theory, eighteenth and nineteenth century philosophy, and history of thought. More broadly, studies in our program are concerned with the questions raised by these movements, and with constructing a dialogue both between theory and its history and between the disciplines or discourses that have contributed to contemporary theory.

The Theory Centre is one of the oldest and most established programs of its kind in North America. Since the inception of its M.A. program in 1990, and the Ph.D. program in 2002, it has consistently attracted exceptionally qualified students from Canada, the United States, and Europe. Our core faculty includes scholars with international reputations from the arts and humanities, information and media studies, and social sciences. In addition to its graduate seminars (most of which are unique to our program), the Centre hosts a vigorous speakers series, regularly sponsors major international conferences, and supports a graduate student journal, Chiasma. With its rich tradition of interdisciplinary research and cross-faculty collaborations, its award-winning faculty, and vibrant student community, The Theory Centre has become one of Western’s most respected graduate programs.

Contact Information
Jan Plug, Director

University of Western Ontario
Centre for the Study of Theory and Criticism
Somerville House, Rm. 2345A, University of Western Ontario
London, Ontario
Canada
http://www.uwo.ca/theory/
mcaldwe2@uwo.ca
(519) 661-3442

Region
North America

Academic Program
Ph.D.
M.A.
Certificate (includes emphasis, specialization, or concentration)

Year Established
1987

Fellowships and Potential Scholarly Affiliations
Visiting Fellowship