Contemporary Political Thought
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General
Course Long Title
Contemporary Political Thought
Subject Code
CMAP
Course Number
622
School(s)
Academic Level
GR - Graduate
Description
This course examines key ideas and debates in political thought, focusing on how contemporary thinkers address questions of power, governance, liberation, and resistance. While the specific focus varies by instructor, the course centers on critical engagement with political concepts and their relevance to urgent issues in today's world.
Students will explore a range of perspectives on topics such as sovereignty, the cultural dimensions of power (race, gender, national identity), radical politics (anarchism, socialism, communism, radical democracy), and political transformation. Readings will include classical texts alongside contemporary works that challenge or extend traditional frameworks, drawing from a variety of political traditions and theoretical approaches. Through extensive reading, writing, and discussion, the course encourages students to critically analyze political ideas and articulate their own perspectives on the intersections of politics and theory.
This is one of two required theory courses for Aesthetics and Politics MA students. It is also open to MFA students and others across the Institute who are interested in reading-intensive critical theory. With challenging weekly readings (50-100 pages), intensive class discussions, and a final project, this course provides a foundation for analyzing politics in contemporary society.
Students will explore a range of perspectives on topics such as sovereignty, the cultural dimensions of power (race, gender, national identity), radical politics (anarchism, socialism, communism, radical democracy), and political transformation. Readings will include classical texts alongside contemporary works that challenge or extend traditional frameworks, drawing from a variety of political traditions and theoretical approaches. Through extensive reading, writing, and discussion, the course encourages students to critically analyze political ideas and articulate their own perspectives on the intersections of politics and theory.
This is one of two required theory courses for Aesthetics and Politics MA students. It is also open to MFA students and others across the Institute who are interested in reading-intensive critical theory. With challenging weekly readings (50-100 pages), intensive class discussions, and a final project, this course provides a foundation for analyzing politics in contemporary society.