OVERVIEW

This course aims to analyse and critically discuss the interplay between methodological assumptions and normative implications in contemporary political theories. At the intersection between theory, practice and political methodology, the course aims to assess the plausibility of practical and theoretical implications of the most relevant models in normative political theory.  

AIMS AND CONTENT

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The Justice and Political Action course aims to analyze central themes in applied normative political philosophy. It focuses particularly on how various political actors—from institutions to social movements—can undertake actions aimed at achieving justice. The course addresses three thematic lines: (i) classic normative questions (what is justice?), (ii) methodological issues (how should we understand the relationship between normative and empirical dimensions?), and (iii) case studies that illustrate the complex interactions between justice and political action.

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

This course aims to provide students with the necessary conceptual tools to better understand the relation between methodological and normative issues in contemporary political theories. At the end of the course, students

• will be aware of the relation between theory and practice,
• will be able to discuss critically the practical implications of normative political theories, and
• will be able to e balance competing demands of justification and application.

TEACHING METHODS

The course is structured with an initial series of introductory lectures. The rest of the course is organized around in-class discussions of articles or book chapters that students must read in advance.

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The design of this course follows a “Problem Based Learning” (PBL) methodology. It starts by attempting to address a question that has both theoretical and practical dimensions: How should activists behave? What is the relationship between theory and practice from the perspective of those seeking to put principles of justice into action?

The course revolves around these two questions, both from a general perspective and by analyzing specific areas of activism (civil disobedience, climate justice, and feminism).

In the first part of the course, methodological issues will be introduced through the following questions:

• What is the relationship between normative theory and practice?
• What compromises are acceptable?
• What responsibilities do we have as individuals in pursuing justice?
• What are the fundamental modes of activism?

In the second part, the following topics will be explored:

• Civil disobedience, uncivil disobedience, and direct action
• Prefigurative politics
• Feminist activism
• Climate activism

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

READING LIST FOR ATTENDING STUDENTS (Attending students have participated in at least 60% of classes) 

To be communicated at the beginning of the course. 

READING LIST FOR NON-ATTENDING STUDENTS (Attending students have participated in at least 60% of classes).

To be communicated at the beginning of the course. 

TEACHERS AND EXAM BOARD

LESSONS

Class schedule

The timetable for this course is available here: Portale EasyAcademy

EXAMS

EXAM DESCRIPTION

Attending students

- Short essay (3500words, to be handed in at least 1 week before) or student seminar during the course

+ oral examination discussing the essay or seminar and other course's themes

Non-attending students:

- Short essay (3500words, to be handed in at least 1 week before. Contact the professor to agree on an essay's topic)  +

- Oral examination on the following titles from the reading list: