Political Science 793X - S-Critical Theory

In this course, we will examine some foundational works in first, second, and third generation Critical Theory (working within, influenced by or influential to the Frankfurt School) including Horkheimer & Adorno, Walter Benjamin, Juergen Habermas Seyla Benhabib. We will begin with the question of "What is Critical Theory?" and engage with some of its central themes and projects, including reason under modernity/postmodernity, history and progress, crisis and capitalism, mastery of nature, authority and the authoritarian personality. The course will end by engaging with contemporary critical thinkers influenced by but critical themselves of the Eurocentric underpinnings of traditional critical theory, including Enrique Dussel, Amy Allen, and Susan Buck-Morss.