Programme

The course aims to provide an introduction to authors of political and social thought, with reference to a specific issue, which will be identified each year. Within this framework, the course aims to provide - in-depth knowledge of the main authors, works and trends in political and social thought, with specific attention to the linguistic-communicative dimension; - the ability to contextualize, analyze and critically interpret different discursive forms; - the lexical and conceptual tools necessary for the study of the issues, authors and authors tackled and useful for acquiring good written and oral skills. At the end of the course the following will be acquired - historical knowledge of a specific topic related to political thought - the ability to identify and interpret the problems considered in the thought of authors and writers - the ability to present and argue in writing and orally.

Core Documentation

F. Giardini, L'alleanza inquieta
- Relazioni significative
M. Foucault, L'ordine del discorso

Attendance

In person and/or remotely.

Type of evaluation

For those attending the course, a paper on the topics of the programme can be presented. For Erasmus students the paper can be presented in their native language or in English (please contact prof. Federica Giardini)

Programme

The course provides an introduction to the key themes and issues in political thought, with a particular focus on the relationship between power, politics and social processes. In the second part of the class it will explore the nexus between politics and imagination, and between utopia and revolution.

Part 1
A general introduction to the key concepts and issues in political thought: Classical antiquity and the Middle Ages; Modern political thought; Contemporary themes and approaches

Part 2
The public space – themes, subjects, conflicts
From the nineteenth century to neoliberal public space
Feminist approaches to public space
embodied subjectivities, interdependence, vulnerability, intersectionality

Part 3
Utopia and politics
Revolutions and Utopias
Ambiguous utopias: embodied and feminist perspectives

Core Documentation

ENGLISH- SPEAKING STUDENTS:

12 CFU:

- L. Mumford, History of Utopias (any edition)
- L. Sargisson, Contemporary Feminist Utopianism, Routledge 1996
- F. Castelli, “Spatialities of the Otherwise: cities, lands, and territories vaster than empires in feminist political utopias” in Anthropos (available on moodle)

At least one novel from the following:
- U. K. Le Guin, The Dispossessed. An Ambiguous Utopia (any edition)
- U. K. Le Guin, The The Lathe of Heaven (any edition)
- M. Atwood, The Handmaid’s Tale (any edition)

6 CFU:

- L. Mumford, History of Utopias (any edition)
- F. Castelli, “Spatialities of the Otherwise: cities, lands, and territories vaster than empires in feminist political utopias” in Anthropos (available on moodle)

Attendance

Attendance is not obligatory. Students who do attend will have the option of undertaking a written examination as a partial exemption from the final oral examination.

Type of evaluation

The course requires a final oral examination. Students attending the course can opt for a written examination as partial exemption of the final oral examination. When marking the examination, the final mark will be determined by taking into account a number of factors, such as for example: the level and quality of knowledge of the subject matter; the ability to analyse a topic critically; the logical structure of the arguments supporting a thesis; the ability to apply theories and concepts to specific contexts; and the use of vocabulary appropriate to the subject being studied.