Tremendous Pedagogies: Feminist Theory, Deconstruction and the University

This thesis contributes to the theorization of the concept of the university and strives to imagine its future by bringing together particular threads within feminist and deconstructive thought. Through deconstructive textual analysis of three theoretical debates – on the disciplinarity of women’s studies, on resistance against the so called ‘neoliberalization’ of the university, and on narratives of feminist studies – this study seeks to establish the theoretical ground necessary for generating a university beyond its phallocentric and neoliberal predicament. This attempt is conveyed under a heading ‘tremendous pedagogies’. Part I discusses how the possibility of women’s studies can be further re-thought. This discussion triggers a critique of the discourses through which the current university is most commonly accounted for. Part II examines how deconstructive scholars theorize resistance to the so called ‘neoliberalization’ of the university. Here, the exploration proceeds through the word and the concept of ‘accountability’. Finally, drawing form these insights, Part III examines how narratives of feminist studies can help us articulate premises under which a university and its future beyond its current ‘neoliberal’ and ‘phallocentric’ predicament can be made possible.