GOVT352 - Critical Theory

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Academic Year 2005/2006

Critical Theory
GOVT 352 SP

This course investigates the development of a particular school of 20th century social theory known as critical theory. Influenced by Hegel, Marx, Nietzsche and Freud, the critical theorists sought to move beyond standard class-based approaches in social analysis to investigate the unique challenges posed by capitalism, modern bureaucracy and mass politics. We will read the works of Theodor Adorno, Max Horkheimer, Walter Benjamin, Herbert Marcuse and Jurgen Habermas, among others. The course will consider the strengths and limitations of critical theory by looking at feminist, postmodernist and liberal critiques.

MAJOR READINGS

Horkheimer and Adorno, DIALECTIC OF ENLIGHTENMENT
Marcuse, ONE DIMENSIONAL MAN
Bronner and Kellner, CRITICAL THEORY AND SOCIETY: A READER
Arato and Gebhardt , THE ESSENTIAL FRANKFURT SCHOOL READER

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

2 short papers, 1 long paper

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

Modern and/or contemporary theory are recommended, but not required

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture/Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD Credit: 1 Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS GOVT Grading Mode: Graded

Prerequisites: NONE

SECTION 01

Instructor(s): Verdeja,Ernesto

Times: .M.W... 02:40PM-04:00PM; Location: PAC104;

Reserved Seats: (Total Limit: 25)

SR. major: 10 Jr. major: 7

SR. non-major: 5 Jr. non-major: 3 SO: X FR: X

Special Attributes:

Curricular Renewal: Ethical Reasoning

Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-30-2006