Methods and Approaches in Political Theory and the History of Political Thought (Half-Term)

The course examines different ways to study texts in political theory and intellectual history. We shall look at different interpretive approaches (such as the Cambridge School), as well as what are often said to be different philosophical traditions (analytic versus continental). We also examine how history and normativity relate to each other, and, more specifically various models of crafting genealogies, as well as ways to analyze and critique ideologies. We also ask the broader question what it means to think politically and to consider political theory specifically as one's vocation.