PHIL 429: Advanced Topics in Social and Political Philosophy

PHIL 429-C01: Bodies & Power
(Summer 2026)

05:00 PM to 09:30 PM TR

Online

Section Information for Summer 2026

This interdisciplinary course invites students to critically investigate the materiality of the body and its entanglement with power through the study of philosophy, theory, literature, performance art, and film from the late nineteenth century to the present. Emphasis will be placed on nuanced representations of historically marginalized bodies—including women, indigenous peoples, enslaved individuals, and queer subjects—while considering how these portrayals both challenge and reinforce dominant cultural narratives. Through the lenses of postmodernist philosophy, feminist and queer theory, literature, performance, and film studies, students will analyze the complex intersections of corporeality, subjectivity, identity, and power. In addition to engaging with a diverse selection of literary works and films from Latin America and the United States, students will study foundational theoretical texts by Maurice Merleau-Ponty, Michel Foucault, Rita Segato, Saidiya Hartman, Giorgio Agamben, Achille Mbembe, Paul B. Preciado, Audre Lorde, Judith Butler, José Esteban 1
Muñoz, and others who theorize the relationship between the body, culture, sexuality, politics, and power. Students are also encouraged to bring in their own research interests and creative projects that expand and complicate our understanding of embodiment and power.

This is an online live video section.

Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3

Examines key social and political issues drawing on a range of philosophical thinkers, texts and approaches. Possible topics include: migration and immigration, biopolitics, climate change, health inequity, decision theory, democracy and citizenship, slavery and reparations, mass incarceration, or human rights. Emphasizes the ability to put philosophical concepts and theories to work to address questions and problems of social, political or global significance. Offered by Philosophy. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 9 credits.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Recommended Prerequisite: PHIL/GOVT 323, or PHIL/GOVT 324, or PHIL/GOVT 327, or permission of the instructor.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes.