Within each tradition, the course addresses the ideas of founding thinkers as well as contemporary theorists. We follow each tradition as it has developed up through the contemporary period. Format Classes will proceed mainly through lectures and discussion of assigned readings. It is expected that students will keep up with assigned readings and be prepared to discuss them and draw out implications for course topics. Given the sophistication and abstractness of course material, it is imperative that you ask questions and extensively involve yourself with the course material.
Passive students are likely to fail.
All assigned readings. Allow yourself plenty of time to complete assignments. Also, do not be satisfied with a cursory reading, often based upon the assumption that everything will be clearly explained to you later. You will need to work at these readings. To facilitate your reading, each student will have a 15 minute meeting with the professor during the second week of classes.