DSPO 27A09 - Populism: the political trajectory of a controversial concept

“Populism” is a hot topic in our contemporary political debate. Various leaders, political parties and movements that take a radical stand against the status quo, claiming to do so on behalf of “the people”, are often being labeled as populists. Nevertheless, the frequent but rather elusive object of study of Political and Social Sciences we designate “populism” has always been a very controversial concept. Heretofore, it would seem “populism” has imposed itself as an indispensable subject for Western political thought today, even given that the term often floats from one meaning to another and that it is frequently reduced to a pejorative usage.

Instead of trying to solve the complex epistemological impasse described above, this course will introduce the main issues related to the concept of populism by exploring its polemical and political aspects. In order to do so, we will review the concept’s theoretical construction through the years as well as how it is presently characterized.

The main purpose of this course is to question populism’s current representations by exploring diverse theoretical frameworks and historical experiences so that students can develop the necessary tools to critically understand the phenomena today.

• Group discussions (30% of the grade): quality of the collective reflexion in group, conclusions and respect of the deadlines;
• Final take-home essay and presentation (50% of the grade): 2,0000-word essay.
• Engagement and in-class participation (20% of the grade): student’s own research (reports) and over-all participation (debates, question/commentaries, presentation of group conclusions).