Government 277 - Colloquium: Desire and Power

Colq: Desire & Power

Fall
2026
01
4.00
Nathan DuFord

M 3:05 PM - 4:20 PM; W 2:45 PM - 4:00 PM

Smith College
GOV-277-01-202701
nduford@smith.edu
The desire for power is often the engine of politics (and much else). This class considers the relationship of desire, power and politics through the lens of psychoanalysis. It covers classic and contemporary work in psychoanalysis and texts in political thought, gender and sexuality studies, and critical theory. Throughout the semester, the course focuses on the role that desire and power play in political life through topics such as anxiety, trauma, the body, sexuality, group dynamics, aggression, colonialism and fascism. Enrollment limited to 20.
Permission is required for interchange registration during the add/drop period only.
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