JPR459H1S L0101
Graduate Course Code: JPR2051H1S L0101
Fanaticism: A Political History
Themes
This seminar in theory will explore the modern history of the concept of ‘fanaticism’ and tis role in the development of political modernity. A focus on the concept of the “fanatic” (and its cognates) from the perspective of its various uses in political and religious thought from the Early Modern period through the Enlightenment and up to the present day, provides a fascinating opportunity for a critical review of the secular, rationalist, and scientific assumptions underwriting modern political forms and concepts, especially those of liberal democracy. At the same time, the course will offer critical insight into the ways in which religious and political differences among colonial “others” were, and continue to be, central to the elaboration of Western theoretical discourse on fanaticism and extremism as forms of “political pathology”. (Given by the Departments of Political Science and Religion)
PLEASE NOTE: JPR459/JPR2051H1S is dual delivery, online synchronous.
Prerequisites
(2 FCEs in Political Theory and/or Philosophy including 1.0 FCE at the 300 level) or (0.5 FCE in Method and Theory in the Study of Religion and 1 FCE at the 300 level in the Study of Religion)