210064 SE BAK9: Political Theories and Research on Theories (2024S)

The seminar is guided by the question what it is that allows for concerted action. We look at different aspects that are involved in this, beginning with the role of others for our ability to act and the significance of the coming together of bodies specifically, i.e., the corporal element. We look at both classical and contemporary democratic theory that considers the role of assemblies in democratic life. Drawing on both political and aesthetic theory, we also discuss what it is that makes the gathering of people political, i.e., when does a crowd become a political body? And we ask whether this distinction between political body and crowd (or mass, multitude) is not problematic in itself?

You will be able to extend your knowledge in debates in modern and contemporary democratic theory around the themes of assembly, crowds, and concerted action. We will also look at literature from theatre and performance studies that engage with the role of the body in public spaces. The focus of the seminar, however, lies on the close reading of texts and the critical engagement with theoretical arguments, rather than on the historical reconstruction of specific debates.

The seminar allows you to improve your ability to understand and discuss philosophical and theoretical texts (in English); your ability to recognize, analyze, and critique complex theoretical arguments; as well as your skills in writing in a way that reflects careful attention to language, logics, and subtleties of reasoning.