SUBJECT AND CITIZEN

Catalog description

Students will explore the historic relationship among individuals, peoples and governance. An evaluation of ancient forms of governance across diverse cultures; analysis of the development of the social contract and the connection to the modern state and an examination of both the duties and privileges historically derived from the status of subject and citizen. Stress placed on understanding the power of citizenship as well as its historic boundary creation and exclusion. Significant time spent on the evaluation of the new forms/challenges of citizenship in a globalizing world, especially the concept of global citizenship and non-nation state affiliation. By understanding the diverse and contested historical terrain of subject and citizen, students can conceptualize, problematize and navigate their own relationship to civic participation.