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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) and Early Modern political philosophy (Klausen), to modern (Avramenko, Klausen, Zumbrunnen) 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 (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 Philosophy Colloquium, 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



Faculty in Political Theory

  Richard Avramenko Donald Downs Helen Kinsella
  Jimmy Klausen Howard Schweber John Zumbrunnen
 

Courses in Political Theory, Fall 2009


209 - Introduction to Political Theory

Faculty: Howard Schweber      Field: Political Theory

506 - Topics in Political Philosophy

Faculty: Jimmy Klausen      Field: Political Theory

513 - Radical Political Theory

Faculty: Jimmy Klausen      Field: Political Theory

565 - History of American Political Thought

Faculty: John Zumbrunnen      Field: Political Theory

931 - Seminar - Political Theory (Topic: Feminist Theory)

Faculty: Helen Kinsella      Field: Political Theory

931 - Seminar - Political Theory (Topic: Political Theories of the French Revolution)

Faculty: Jimmy Klausen      Field: Political Theory