This interdisciplinary course in the study of power could 'begin' many places. Indeed 'power' is at the base of so many theories, theorists and disciplines. This first unit, 'foundations', offers the two points of entry below in the conversation on power (Lui and Jessop). As you read and listen, reflect upon the specific vocabularies, philosophies and contexts being evoked by the rhetors. Also, reflect upon the 'case studies' or 'sites' they study--why these sites? why these cases?
Eric Lui's (2014) TED Talk, Why Ordinary People Should Understand Power is a timely and contemporary take on the lack of civic mindedness in American society specifically but also more broadly across the world. Note specifically his conceptualization of 'power inventories' and 'power literacies' as they reframe the study of civic engagement. We will work with this vocabulary throughout the semester, applying it to case studies as well as classical and contemporary thought on power.
Bob Jessop's (2014) Marxist Approaches to Power, summarizes the thought of German philosopher and journalist Karl Marx and his contemporaries ('Marxists' and 'neo-Marxists') as regards "power." Marx's thought is an important intellectual 'base' for thinking about power because so much of contemporary thought on power is a development of, reaction to, conversation with, and/or rejection of Marxist theory. As you read, consider the following questions:
- Why has Marxist thought on power been so influential and controversial?
- What does the language of 'base' and 'superstructure' help us to see/understand? What does it obfuscate?
- What are the critiques of Marxist thought as regards economic determinism?
- How did/have Marx's contemporaries attempt to complicate and re-theorize power beyond economic capital and class position?
- Identify the 10-20 key terms associated with Marxist thought on power.
Useful links:
Joseph Nye on Power