DHUM 25A24 - Political Theory: Reading the Classics

Taught in English, this methodology course introduces students to the close reading of foundational texts in Political Theory and Philosophy. Each week, students will engage with key classical thinkers (Plato, Hobbes, Rousseau, Marx, Arendt, Foucault…) to extract core concepts and examine how they relate to present political debates. The course aims to develop students’ critical reading skills, strengthen their use of conceptual vocabulary, and improve their ability to structure political arguments. It also provides historical insight into political thought.

Interest in reading philosophical texts, political curiosity, and the ability to follow an English language course. Workload : an average of 30 pages of required readings per week.

Reading Seminar

Oral group presentation (30%),

Midterm in-class test (20%),

Final essay with personal research (40%),

Attendance and active weekly participation 10%