AHUM 23A11 - ABC's of Politics : Theoretical and Practical Perspectives on Contemporary Politics

Based on Gilles Deleuze's ABCs of politics, this class spells out in 12 letters the basic blocks of contemporary political theory. The objectives for this class are twofold. First, it aims at providing a thorough introduction to political theory as a subject, studying some of its central authors and concepts, to try define politics at large. What is political theory? Where does the state come from and what makes it legitimate? What rights do we have? Should the state help us become better human beings or should it leave citizens decide for themselves how to run their lives? These are some of the questions we will be asking in class. The goal is to challenge our assumptions and understand political ideology. To illustrate political issues discussed in class, frequent references will be made to classical and pop culture in literature, movies, music, painting, etc. Second, this class aims at introducing students to philosophy as a method, to make sense of contemporary ethical dilemmas. How do we defend our moral opinions convincingly? Understanding how concepts are used by different authors and their polysemy will be central. Each class will also feature the analysis of a particular case study illustrating an ethical dilemma, such as whether borders should be open to all for example. Students will have the option of voting pro or against a certain position, which will be then analysed in class. The lecture seeks to provide fundamental knowledge of political theory, which will be complemented by the seminars that will allow students to actively participate to the discussion of political dilemmas. There be twelve 2h lectures and 12 2h seminars per week.

Students will be marked using continuous evaluation in their seminars throughout the term, there will also be a final written exam. The mid-term test will be a written in-class analysis of a text. The final exam will be a written analysis of a topic. You will have the opportunity to choose a topic between two options.

• Mid-term written exam.
• Continuous assessment (seminars) .
• Final written exam.

Mid-term written exam and continuous assessment constitue 2/3 of the final grade. The final exam is 1/3 of the final grade