What is Critical Theory? An Introduction

Over the past few years, the term 'critical theory' has become an object of moral and political panic. But what exactly is critical theory? This class will offer an introduction to fundamental texts and concepts in the history of critical theory broadly defined. The course draws from what can be dubbed a 'critical theory canon' and introduces students in the humanities and qualitative social sciences to essential and foundational materials. We will not only come to understand what critical theory is but also how it allows us to interrogate and reimagine core social, political, and ethical concepts such as freedom, capitalism, subjectivity, colonialism, race, violence, and secularism.