Political Theory is an integral part of the Department of Political Science at the University of Wisconsin.  Our current Political Theory faculty continues our long tradition of intellectual openness and methodological diversity.  Faculty research and teaching cover a broad historical range and reflect the thematic diversity of political theory as a discipline.  From Ancient and Medieval political philosophy (Avramenko, Zumbrunnen, Daniel Kapust) and Early Modern political philosophy (Klausen, Daniel Kapust), to modern (Avramenko, Klausen, Zumbrunnen, Daniel Kapust) and post-modern political thought (Klausen, Kinsella, Zumbrunnen), students interested in the history of political thought will find excellent courses and a welcome home in our department.  Students drawn to themes such as Citizenship and Democracy (Zumbrunnen, Schweber, Downs, Avramenko), Constitutionalism and Legal Theory (Schweber, Downs, Kinsella), Imperialism and post-Colonialism (Klausen, Kinsella), Post-structuralism (Klausen, Kinsella, Zumbrunnen), gender studies (Lindsay, Kinsella, Klausen, Avramenko) will also find an intellectual home in the Department of Political Science.

Students interested in pursuing graduate studies at Wisconsin will find a rigorous and exciting intellectual environment. Through coursework, research, and active participation in our Political Theory Workshop, our students acquire a broad knowledge of the history of political thought, become conversant with the central issues and debates animating the field today, and learn to embrace political theory as a vocation. The program is very selective, admitting only a small number of students each year. Faculty thus mentor only a few graduate students, actively fostering the professional development and scholarly rigor necessary to continue our excellent placement record. Students interested in pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Wisconsin should consult our Graduate Program.

Research Groups

• Political Theory Workshop
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Faculty in Political Theory

Undergraduate Organization

• Undergraduate Political Theory Association (UPTA)

Courses in Political Theory - Spring 2011-2012