This course delves into political theory through seminal utopian and dystopian texts, examining societal institutions and prompting reflection on potential societal structures. Texts such as Plato’s Republic, Thomas More’s Utopia, and George Orwell’s 1984 offer insights into the organization of societies, making them essential for understanding political theory and enduring debates. Through close reading and discussion, students explore how these texts shape major worldviews and introduce ongoing debates in the history of political thought.

This BA2 political theory course explores modern classics by influential authors like Hannah Arendt and John Rawls. It covers key concepts such as justice, democracy, free speech, and human rights, drawing from various disciplines including critical theory and political philosophy.

This course looks at the conceptual and methodological grounds of psychoanalytic approaches to political theory. We will also explore the history and the texts of major psychoanalytic theorists who have influenced the development of psychoanalytically informed political thought (Freud, Jung, Klein, Lacan, Reich). We will also look at contemporary applications of psychoanalytic theory to issues of racism, gender, nationalism, and political violence.

This course examines the intricate relationship between politics and markets, questioning their impact on individual freedom and societal structure. Students explore whether political regulation is essential for maximizing individual autonomy within market systems, and whether markets can exist independently of capitalism.

This course explores the politics of difference, focusing on power dynamics and inequality generated by categorization, such as in movements like Blacklivesmatter and Metoo. It provides students with critical tools to analyze contemporary political agendas and social inequalities, connecting normative, social scientific, and political science perspectives.

This course delves into the complex relationship between humans and animals, questioning our treatment of them in various contexts. It explores philosophical and ethical dilemmas surrounding animal rights, examining issues such as speciesism and our responsibilities towards animals. Through ethical and political theory, it aims to foster discussions on alternative ways of interacting with non-human animals, challenging traditional views on their treatment and rights.

This course surveys classical and modern political thought, exploring key thinkers and enduring political challenges. Students analyze texts from diverse traditions and practice interpreting original sources to reflect on recurrent debates in political life.

This course explores modern Conservatism and Machiavellianism, questioning their nature and relationship to liberalism. Studying European, Anglo, and Confucian political theory, we'll analyze works by Oakeshott, Strauss, and Schmitt, as well as texts by Scruton, Chan, and Hazony. We'll differentiate Conservatism from Machiavellianism and understand the diversity within conservatism.

This course introduces deliberative democracy through key works by theorists like Habermas and Gutmann & Thompson, exploring both theoretical critiques and empirical assessments. Students analyze its desirability and practical feasibility, culminating in their own critical analysis of deliberative democracy's merits and limitations.