This module explores the intimate relationship in politics between discourse, morality, and power. Through readings and assignments this module is designed to highlight the central importance meaning and metaphor play in defining the political dimension of life, and to help students draw out the implications of this insight from the point of view of political explanation and critique.
On completing this seminar-based module, a student ought to have a good understanding of central debates associated with the categories of discourse, rhetoric, and power; be comfortable discussing key issues in critical political theory; and be familiar with some crucial methodological assumptions and debates in political analysis. In particular, students will have an enhanced appreciation of the role meaning and rhetoric play in the performance and study of social, economic, and political practices, including processes of collective deliberation and coordination; and a deep familiarity with a range of perspectives on discourse and power, noting how these are relevant to the tasks of description, explanation, and critique in political studies.
On completing this seminar-based module, a student ought to have a good understanding of central debates associated with the categories of discourse, rhetoric, and power; be comfortable discussing key issues in critical political theory; and be familiar with some crucial methodological assumptions and debates in political analysis. In particular, students will have an enhanced appreciation of the role meaning and rhetoric play in the performance and study of social, economic, and political practices, including processes of collective deliberation and coordination; and a deep familiarity with a range of perspectives on discourse and power, noting how these are relevant to the tasks of description, explanation, and critique in political studies.
- Module Supervisor: Jimena Vazquez Garcia