Critical Traditions and their Significance

ABOUT THE COURSE: The present course titled, “ Critical Traditions and its Significance”, aims at studying some of the significant political theories which have, critiqued the mainstream theories/narratives from different perspectives. These theories have helped in providing explanations to underlying causes of injustices and exploitations in society; providing practical solutions; and the normative basis for challenging the present unjust and exploitative social structures. The objective of this course is to highlight the role played by these theories in inspiring various struggles for rights, freedom and human emancipation in the past and their relevance in the present.INTENDED AUDIENCE: B.A., M.A. Ph.D and general audiencePREREQUISITES: Basic knowledge of Political Science

Week 1- Introduction to Critical traditionsMeaning & NatureSources and Features of Critical theorySignificance of Critical traditions
Week 2 -Frankfurt School of Critical TheoryMax HorkheimerTheodore Adorno
Week 3-Frankfurt School of Critical TheoryHerbert MarcuseJurgen Habermas
Week 4-MarxismCritique of capitalism,Alienation,Theories of Revolution
Week 5- Post-MarxismCritique of determinism and dialectical methodGramsci’s on role of ideasErnesto Laclau and Chantal Mouffe: The Proliferation of Struggles and the category of the Subject
Week 6-FeminismCritique of traditional epistemologiesCritique of Science and rationalityEco-feminism
Week 7- FeminismPublic & Private dichotomyEquality/Difference debateViolence against women today
Week 8- Mass society and RepublicanismCritical theory and the analysis of contemporary mass societyRepublican notion of freedomRepublican notion of State and Civic Virtues
Week 9- Ecological CritiqueEcological Democracy
Week 10-Ecological CritiqueEcological Citizenship
Week 11- Dalit NarrativesCritique of theory and practice of casteCritique of modernity
Week 12- PostmodernismMeaning, Origin & Theoretical aspectsCriticisms of ModernismPostmodernism: Elements, usefulness for understanding Society & Criticisms