GD5404 Global Theory

Further information on which modules are specific to your programme.

Module description

Is it possible to create global theory? That is, ways of thinking in solidarity about the world's pressing crises - social hierarchies, economic exploitation, political and ideological conflicts, and environmental catastrophe. Taking your cue from recent discussions about global intellectual history, this is what you will explore through this module. This module aims, first, to think about 'theory' beyond Eurocentric lenses, by juxtaposing political and social thought of varied geographical and temporal origin. Second, the module considers historical connections between these traditions. Third, it aims to gather thought in common. You will look at how different intellectual lineages form a shared commons for all of us, helping us to think transversally - fording across spatial and temporal frontiers - about planetary issues, in order to build a less exploitative, and more just and equitable, world for all. On this module you will think critically about how an awareness of multiple theoretical traditions can help us respond to contemporary discussions and debates, such as those relating to changing social relations, cultural diversity, modes of governmental and economic domination, and environmental concerns. You will historically contextualise, as well as explore parallels and intersections between, diverse worlds of political and social thought. You will gain awareness about intellectual traditions arising from different corners of the world. You will reflect on the ways global theory can nourish more plural, democratic, and egalitarian political and social imagination today, as well as nurture resistance against regimes of exploitation. The guiding principle behind the structure of this module is to focus on a particular moment in history when a theory has effected a paradigm shift, or an epistemic break, thus demonstrating to students the direct applicability of theoretical thought. The module includes skills workshops that connect your academic learning with the development of personal and professional competencies. Workshops bring together students from other Graduate School for Interdisciplinary Studies Masters degrees, helping you to make new interdisciplinary connections. GD5404 is a compulsory module for the MLitt in Global Social and Political Thought.

Intended learning outcomes

• Historically contextualize, as well as explore parallels and intersections between, diverse worlds of political and social thought.
• Think critically about how an awareness of multiple theoretical traditions can help us respond to contemporary discussions and debates, such as those relating to changing social relations, cultural diversity, modes of governmental and economic domination, and environmental concerns.
• Reflect on the ways global theory can nourish more plural, democratic, and egalitarian political and social imagination today, as well as nurture resistance against regimes of exploitation.
• Gain awareness about intellectual traditions from different corners of the world.