PSCI 430
What Should Political Theory Be Now? Spring 2026
Division II

Class Details

How can theorists best engage politics today? What political problems most demand or resist theorization–and is “theory” even the right genre for critical intellectual work on politics now? This course takes up such questions by considering how key recent and contemporary theorists have sketched the defining features of their political worlds. With each reading, our dual aim will be to confront pressing issues or controversies and to ask whether the works in question offer ways of thinking and writing that we should pursue ourselves, as we confront the distinctive shape, challenges, and opportunities of politics now. Topics may include neoliberalism, rightwing populism, democracy, and authoritarianism; sovereignty and biopower; pluralism, individuality, and justice; technology and artificial intelligence; climate change and the specter of ecological catastrophe; the problem of evil in politics; race and colonialism; and contemporary struggles over gender and sexuality.
The Class: Format: seminar
Limit: 15
Expected: 11
Class#: 3708
Grading: no pass/fail option, no fifth course option
Requirements/Evaluation: based on class participation and several very short assignments as well as one 15-page fi nal paper
Prerequisites: juniors or senior standing and two or more theory courses or consent of instructor. Non-majors with theory interests and backgrounds are welcome if space permits.
Enrollment Preferences: concentrators in Political Theory, followed by other Political Science majors
Distributions: Division II
Attributes: AMST Critical and Cultural Theory Electives
PSCI Political Theory Courses

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