In this course we examine some of the central writings in political theory in the modern and contemporary era, or roughly from the late 17th century to the late 20th century. The writings change on a regular basis though the goal each time is to take up a theme that is relevant to contemporary political discourse and address this theme in light of the assigned readings. In the most recent installment of this course, the theme was inequality. Given contemporary concerns about growing wealth inequalities in society, with 1% of society controlling a third of all wealth and the bottom 50% controlling only 2%, this course will examine the origins and role of inequalities in society and the role, if any, the state does or ought to play in either maintaining or addressing these inequalities.
Spring 2022 Course Syllabus.
Lectures. Click here for the written lectures/notes for this course.