This course is a graduate survey designed to introduce students to key methods, approaches, and concepts in political theory. Its intended audience is PhD students in political science, philosophy, and related disciplines who have an interest in political theory. Over the course of the semester we will ask, “What is political theory, and how does one do it?” exploring methodological debates in the history of political thought and in contemporary theory. We will ask, “What are some valuable approaches to analyzing and evaluating political phenomena?” considering as possible answers utilitarianism, Kantian liberalism, Marxism, feminism, and realism. We will engage debates about key concepts in the field as well, devoting one week each to the study of justice, equality, power and domination, freedom, and democracy.

