PSCI 430(F) Senior Seminar in Political Theory: What Should Political Theory Be Now?

Why be theoretical? Toward what end and by what means? In this course we will consider how-and whether-people can usefully theorize about political life in our time. In pursuit of these questions, we will examine some exemplary works in recent and contemporary theory. Our discussions will pay attention to the ways of thinking and writing that these works embody, asking "Are these ways we should adopt for ourselves?" But this is not a course on "method," and our readings will enable us to confront some of the most controversial arguments and pressing substantive problems in contemporary political and social thought. Topics considered will include the prospects for democracy in an age of globalization, the sources and workings of political evil, the nature of political power, justice and the distribution of resources, and problems of race, class, gender, and sexuality in American life. Readings will be drawn from such authors as Appadurai, Arendt, Bordo, Butler, Connolly, Davis, Fanon, Foucault, Fraser, Habermas, MacIntyre, Okin, Pangle, Rawls, Rorty, Sandel, Strauss, Wolin, and Zizek. Requirements: weekly 1 and 1/2 page papers, regular class participation, and a 10- to 12-page final essay. Enrollment limited to 15.

Hour: REINHARDT