Another World is Possible: Utopian Communities in Thought and Practice

Catalog description

This course will provide an overview of utopian theory and practice in the United States, with an emphasis on examining the link between religious and political philosophy and experiments with communal and intentional living. We will examine 19th century communes such as the Oneidas, Shakers and New Harmony, and will also learn about contemporary intentional communities such as Twin Oaks, MOVE, Christiania and the Twelve Tribes. These cases illuminate the challenges of creating another world, and also allow us to investigate the social factors that influence their success or failure. Readings will include personal memoirs, sociological examinations of both existing and defunct intentional communities, and relevant elements of political, religious and sociological theory.