ODEC 9035 - Figures of (legal) alterity

Law (understood as nomos, or our normative universe) is foundational in the ways we make sense, collectively, of the social world including all its perceived foreign, alien, deviant or unfamiliar dimensions. This perspective is closely correlated in turn to the lens through which we approach our natural surroundings (physis), with all its unknowable “splendid alterity”(Buffon). This seminar proposes an exploration of some of the figures of alterity created by or through legal rules, practices and processes, and what this tells us about our societies. Witches, migrants, the mentally ill, slaves, pirates, rats and more…

Horatia MUIR WATT

Séminaire

English

None

Autumn 2024-2025

Participation and Attendance: Attendance is mandatory. Only medically-excused absences are allowed. Assignments: Before each class, students must submit one “informed question.” The informed question is a genuine question that the student has after studying the material for that class. The informed question should reflect that the student has reviewed the materials and has identified an inconsistency, contradiction or doubt. Assessment: Students will be required to work on a chosen creative project, in small teams, using media other than writing.