Ateneo - UPO

The course aims to examine the main political cultures of the contemporary world from a historical perspective, with focused discussions of current affairs. Particular attention will be devoted to the categories of “right” and “left” and to the ways in which they have evolved in the era of neoliberal globalization; libertarian thought and anarchism; the concept of justice and its various dimensions; the crisis of democracy and possible alternatives to capitalism; the technological revolution and the posthuman. The lectures will also make extensive use of references to films and cinema.

The textbooks will be indicated by the teacher during the first lesson, planning specific and detailed paths for the students attending the course.

The course aims at providing the students with the interpretation instruments directed to understand the fundamental concepts of political philosophy and contemporary political thought, in the light of a historicaltheoretical approach, but even with peculiar attention to the current socio-economic dynamics.

No preparatory course is required.

Lessons and seminars. Attendance is recommended.

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services- students-physical-or-learning-disabilities Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

Oral exam. In detail the exam consists of 4-5 questions to each student about relevant issues presented during the course and about the main theories debated in the books the students choose for their special program. Every exam lasts 30 minutes.

The course aims to examine the main political cultures of the contemporary world from a historical perspective, with focused discussions of current affairs. Particular attention will be devoted to the categories of “right” and “left” and to the ways in which they have evolved in the era of neoliberal globalization; libertarian thought and anarchism; the concept of justice and its various dimensions; the crisis of democracy and possible alternatives to capitalism; the technological revolution and the posthuman. Other relevant socio-political issues of the contemporary world may also be explored, in agreement with the students attending the course. The lectures will also make extensive use of references to films and cinema.

The expected objective for students is the assimilation of the content of the texts and the ability to critically rework the topics covered in class, with particular attention to contemporary political theories.