In this course, we will read contemporary political and social theory focused on major challenges of the political present: climate change, rising authoritarianism, democracy on the ropes, extreme socio-economic inequality and precarity, and (perhaps) the damages wrought by the Coronavirus pandemic. We will focus on questions of approach and epistemology as well as the specifics of the arguments. Among possible thinkers we will read are Partha Chatterjee, Enzo Traverso, Andre Singer, Achin Vanaik, Eva von Redecker, Jedidiah Purdy, Levitsky and Ziblatt, Alyssa Battistoni, Wolfgang Streeck and Martin Saar. However, this list is due to change between now (April 2020) and September.
Students are expected to have some background in critical theory.
Students may enroll now but if the course is over-subscribed at the first session I will ask all students to write a brief application statement, with no priority given to pre-enrolled students. The seminar will be limited to 15.