Special Topics in Theory: Critical Theory (383-0-21)
Topic
Foucault
Instructors
Penelope L Deutscher
847/491-5293
Kresge 3245
Meeting Info
Kresge Centennial Hall 2-319: Tues, Thurs 6:30PM - 7:50PM
Overview of class
The course begins with a foundational competency in main concepts from the French philosopher Michel Foucault, including discipline and biopower, the productivity and plurality of power; normalization and its dependence on "abnormality;" the conditions under which freedom is also a form of subjection; disciplinary and punitive societies, the historical a priori. We review many of the aspects of Foucault's work that have strongly impacted inquiry in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. Turning, in the course's second section, to the work of French Martinian philosopher and decolonial theorist Frantz Fanon, we will critically compare Foucault's and Fanon's approaches to power, psychiatric medicine, families, biopolitics, self-surveillance, knowledge, selfhood, alterity, and colonization. Challenging both thinkers we will ask how these approaches both reinforce each other and, at times, call each other into question. Students will have the opportunity to write on each of the two French philosophers jointly or separately.
The course is reading intensive. It will include weekly contributions to class debate including online postings. your critical responses to the readings, and to each other are encouraged. The course is open to both undergraduates and graduates and includes a lecture component and separate discussion sections at the undergraduate and graduate level.
Registration Requirements
Enrollment Requirements: Registration restricted to Undergraduate students only
Learning Objectives
1) Familiarity with, and ability to apply, core concepts from two 20th C French philosophers of global significance in the humanities and social sciences. 2) Students will acquire critical and philosophical perspectives on fundamental social institutions associated with punishment, enforcement, health, psychiatry, reason, colonizing and colonial force, and biopolitical understandings of life, death and futures. 3) Students will learn to use, and develop their own responses to, Foucauldian and Fanonian concepts of power, productive, colonized, and resistant forms of force.
Class Materials (Required)
Materials must be purchased by student.
A) Weekly excerpts from a wide range of Foucault's texts, a number of which are included in The Foucault Reader, ed Paul Rabinow (Pantheon Books, 1984).
B) further excerpts from Fanon, Foucault , and others, on Canvas.
Class Materials (Suggested)
Johanna Oksala, How to Read Foucault (NY: Norton, 2008; ISBN 0393328198)
Class Notes
The course is open to both undergraduates and graduates — undergraduate discussion sections are held on Friday. The class level is oriented towards juniors and seniors but is open to undergraduates at all levels. At least one previous class in European philosophy, critical theory, Black studies, decolonial theory, or critical gender and sexualities theory, is strongly recommended.
Associated Classes
DIS - Parkes Hall 214: Fri 1:00PM - 1:50PM
DIS - Fisk Hall 114: Fri 11:00AM - 11:50AM
Associated Classes
DIS - Kresge 3438 Philosophy Sem. Rm: Thurs 8:00PM - 8:50PM