Introduction to Affect Theory 3301-KA1531
The goal of the course is acquaint students with the main strands of one of the most popular theories used in the contemporary humanities which conceptualizes the human ability to experience emotions. We will read texts and watch visual material that analyze or illustrate human affectivity in various aspects of culture, for example: collectively shared emotions, the process of being affected by an artwork, emotional aspects of forming a bond and of social functioning of humans. We will also reflect on the entangling of emotions with the mechanisms of the neoliberal capitalist culture.
We will begin by discussing canonical texts that introduce the terminological tool-kit of affect theory, such as: the structure of feeling, affect, emotion. We will go on to read the most influential texts written from the affect theory’s perspective and watch visual materials (feature films, visual art documentary, commercial) which illustrate the discussed topics. We will take a look at affects through the lens of such notions as ideology and human relationality, and think about the political potential of emotions.
During our classes we will also pay attention to the historical moment in which affect theory emerged and the theory’s internal tensions and discontinuities. We will debate its usefulness for analyzing diverse phenomena and aspects of culture, and look for meeting points between affect theory and other frameworks applied in today’s humanities: new materialism, ecocriticism, posthumanism and neuroscience.
The level of English: B2+.
Type of course
Prerequisites (description)
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Knowledge:
- becomes acquainted with/deepens knowledge of the geographical, historical, political, economic, cultural and social reality of English-speaking countries
- becomes acquainted with/deepens knowledge of symbolic aspects of interactions within one culture and between different cultures
Skills:
-can apply basic/extended methodology of literary and critical studies
- can present the knowledge acquired in a logical and clear manner, both orally and in writing
Social competencies:
-understands the need to express oneself in a coherent, clear, logical and precise manner in order to function effectively in contacts with others
- acknowledges the character of problems, conflicts, dilemmas and seeks the best solutions
Assessment criteria
The final grade is going to be based on the following components:
response paper – 20%
active participation and quizzes -- 20%
final test -- 60%
Over 50% in each of the segments is required for passing the class.
The maximum number of missed classes: 2.
Bibliography
Akers, Matthew et al. Marina Abramović: The Artist is Present. HBO Documentary Films and Music Box Films, 2012.
Benjamin, Jessica. The Bonds of Love: Psychoanalysis, Feminism, and the Problem of Domination. Pantheon Books, 1988.
Ahmed, Sara. The Promise of Happiness. Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 2010.
Berlant, Lauren. “Affect is the New Trauma.”
Berlant, Lauren. Cruel Optimism. Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 2011.
Bowlby, John. The Making and Breaking of Affectional Bonds. London: Tavistock, 1979.
Brennan, Teresa. The Transmission of Affect. Cornell University Press, 2004.
Clough, Patricia. “The Affective Turn: Political Economy, Biomedia, and Bodies.” The Affect Theory Reader, edited by Melissa Gregg and Gregory J. Seigworth, Duke University Press, 2010, pp. 206-225.
Cvetkovich, Ann. Depression: A Public Feeling. Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 2012.
Figlerowicz, Marta. “Affect Theory Dossier: An Introduction.” Qui Parle: Critical Humanities and Social Sciences 20, no. 2 (Sping/Summer): 3–18.
Hochschild, Arlie. The Managed Heart: Commercialization of Human Feeling. Oakland, CA: University of California Press, 2012.
Illouz, Eva. Cold Intimacies: The Making of Emotional Capitalism. Cambridge: Polity, 2007.
Lasch, Christopher. The Culture of Narcissism: American Life in an Age of Diminishing Expectations. New York: W.W. Norton, 1991.
Leys, Ruth. “The Turn to Affect: A Critique.” Critical Inquiry, 37,
434–72, 2011.
Massumi, Brian. Parables for the Virtual: Movement, Affect, Sensation. Durham, NC: Duke University Press, 2002.
Seigworth, Gregory J., and Melissa Gregg. “An Inventory of Shimmers.” The Affect Theory Reader, edited by Melissa Gregg and Gregory J. Seigworth, Duke University Press, 2010, pp. 1–25.
Spinoza, Baruch. Ethics (fragments)
Tomkins, Silvan. Affect Imagery Consciousness. Vol. 1 & 2 New York: Springer, 1962 & 1963.
Williams, Raymond. On “The Structure of Feeling.”
Winnicott, Donald. “The Capacity to Be Alone.” The Maturational Process, 28–35. New York: International Universities Press, 1958.
Winnicott, Donald. “Creativity and Its Origins.” Playing and Reality, 87–114. London: Tavistock, 1971.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: