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Political Theory

Graduate seminars in Political Theory cover a wide range of topics: American political thought, comparative political theory, critical and Foucualdian theory, democratic theory, early Chinese thought, political theories of antiquity, legal theory, moral philosophy, democratic theory, feminist theory, queer theory, and political theories of membership.

Comprehensive Examination and Research Paper in Political Theory

First and second field graduate students in political theory are advised to read and explore widely in the subfield offerings. The political theory exam developed in 2010-2011 is under review and a new exam will be available by January, 2023. The examination will continue to assess: command of literature responsive to a broadly thematic question; analytic and interpretitve skills; and comprehension of seminar material taught by faculty who will be reviewing the examination submissions. (Information about the current exam format can be found here; please note this exam will be revised for 2023. Students taking the exam in 2023 will have a choice between the two exams.)

Field exams in the Political Science Department are double-blind and will be reviewed by two readers from among the core political theory faculty. These faculty are also those from whom students may elect to submit their Research Paper, subject to approval by faculty Field Chair.

Second Field

Students pursuing political theory as a second field are expected to take at least two political theory seminars taught by the political theory field exam reviewing faculty and receive a B+ or higher.

Whether first or second field, all graduate students in political theory are encouraged to consult regularly with the faculty Field Chair and their faculty Advisor as they pursue their studies in the program.

 

Political Theory Faculty and Students’ activities include:

Faculty and Graduate Students

Political Theory Colloquium

Northwestern is pleased to welcome the following speakers for the 2022-2023 academic term:

Molly Scudder
Associate Professor of Political Science
Purdue University
Dec. 5th 2022 | Read more and RSVP on Planit Purple

Desmond Jagmohan
Assistant Professor of Political Science
University of California, Berkeley
Jan. 9th 2023 | Read more and RSVP on Planit Purple

Katrina Forrester
John L. Loeb Associate Professor of the Social Sciences
Harvard University
Feb. 6th 2023 | Read more and RSVP on Planit Purple

S. M. Amadae
Senior Lecturer and Docent in Politics
University of Helsinki
Feb 13th, 2023 | Read more and RSVP on Planit Purple

Paulina Ochoa Espejo
William Penn Foundation Professor of Political Science
Haverford University
Mar. 6th, 2023 | Read more and RSVP on Planit Purple

Tae-Yeoun Keum
Assistant Professor of Political Science
University of California, Santa Barbara
Apr. 24th, 2023 | Read more and RSVP on Planit Purple

David Temin
Assistant Professor of Political Science
University of Michigan
May 22nd, 2023 | Read more and RSVP on Planit Purple