Why does politics matter (again)?

Politics in the twenty-first century is immensely complex and multi-faceted, and alternative theorisations of debates that radically renew older ideas have grown from a trickle to a flood in the past twenty years. The most interesting and relevant contemporary thinkers have responded to new political challenges – such as liberal multiculturalism, new directions in feminist thinking, theories of global empire and biopolitical power, and challenges to secularism – by widening the scope of their intellectual engagements and responding to the new politics.
Throughout the term, we will look (again) into some of the foundation of modern political concepts and theories to respond to the urgency and complexity of thinking about politics today in fresh ways. The repercussions for contemporary art are going to be addressed in accordingly and in discussion among the participants.