Critical Social Thought 350

Seminar in Critical Social Thought

A Seminar for juniors and seniors in which both participating faculty and students present their independent research and lead discussions on relevant secondary scholarship and criticism. Every student will be expected to produce a substantial essay on a question in the broad field of social thought by the end of the semester; students will be encouraged to cultivate an agility in speaking, arguing and writing. Required of all critical social thought majors, but open to students who share the commitments of the program. Prerequisites are junior or senior status, Critical Social Thought 250, or permission of the instructor. 1 meeting of three hours, ordinarily. 4 credits.

The Program in Critical Social Thought is designed for students with a passion for ideas, a desire to ask fundamental questions about social realities and values, and an independent approach to their education. This interdisciplinary program explores the place of thought in history and society, and the ways in which ideas are generated by and generate concrete practice. Critical social thought also embraces the historical forces that have shaped modern experience; the creative expressions that represent that experience; and the tensions--both conceptual and practical--between truth and uncertainty, individuality and community, identity and difference, power and freedom, cruelty and justice. Treating common sense and conventional beliefs as points of departure rather than predetermined points of arrival, critical social thought pivots on questioning the taken-for-granted from all angles.

Harold Garrett-Goodyear

hgarrett@mtholyoke.edu

Skinner 209, ext. 2451

Dickinson 101, ext. 2055