French Theory

The writings of Gilles Deleuze, Jacques Derrida and Michel Foucault, among others, have had an immeasurable impact on the humanities, the social sciences, the arts and even scientific thought. But what exactly were the major themes of their work? In what philosophical and socio-political context did this work take form and where has it led? 

In this course, we will become familiar with some of the 20th century’s most influential and radical thinkers, their vocabularies and projects. We will then turn to the thought, politics, art and languages these theories have inspired all over the world: we will talk about influencers, identities, neoliberalism, borders, nature and so much more! Participative, interactive, this seminar will invite students to apply one or more of these theories and carry out their own investigations.