SOC 398 - Nationalism and Populism

This course in 19th century Continental philosophy examines the nature of capitalism and modern societies, whether they produce certain social pathologies, and if so, how we should change society to remove them. Our key questions will include: Are modern capitalistic societies rational and capable of providing a flourishing life to all, or are they necessarily alienating, exploitative and self-undermining? What are the primary drivers of social progress and revolution? Should there be solidarity between the women’s and workers’ movements? Do reason and morality cause individual and societal illnesses and dysfunctions? We will read works by Hedwig Dohm, G. W. F. Hegel, Immanuel Kant, Rosa Luxemburg, Friedrich Nietzsche, Lou Salomé, Adam Smith, Clara Zetkin and others.

Credits 4

Notes
From time to time, departments design a new course to be offered either on a one-time basis or an experimental basis before deciding whether to make it a regular part of the curriculum. Last offered Fall 2023.

Area
Social Science

Division
Social Science

Compass Attributes
Social Science