Political Theory Group
About
The University of Essex has a long and distinguished tradition as a centre of
social and political theory. Over the years its staff has included such
prominent theorists as Brian Barry, Jay Bernstein, Simon Critchley, John Gray,
Bob Jessop, Ernesto Laclau, Alasdair MacIntyre, Onora ONeill, Alan Ryan, Michael
Taylor and Albert Weale. The European Journal of Philosophy was founded
at the University of Essex, and The Journal of Political Philosophy and
The British Journal of Political Science
are now based here.
Today, the Political Theory Group at
the University of Essex is unique in
bringing together leading scholars in
the fields of ideology and discourse
analysis, and analytic political theory.
The Groups research interests and
expertise cover a vast array of topics,
ranging from post-structuralist and
discourse theory, to analytical
political theory, from the history of
political thought, to rational and
social choice theory.
The Group is extremely active at the
level of teaching as well as research,
with its MA and PhD programmes,
conferences, and seminar series.
Members
Main Research Areas
The main research areas in the field of Political Theory are:
- Democratic Theory
- Global Political Theory
- Political Theory and Public Affairs
- Ideology and Discourse Analysis
- Methods in Political Theorising
More detailed information about each of these areas is available
here.
Activities
Seminars
The Department Government Political Theory Seminar
We invite you to our new political theory seminar series at the Government
Department. Sessions will take place on Thursdays, 13:15-15:00, in the Ivor
Crewe Seminar Room (unless otherwise stated). All are welcome. Tea and
refreshments will be provided.
Programme for the Spring Term, 2011/12:
19 January (Week 16): 'Euvoluntary Exchange and the Problem of Distribution',
Mike Munger, The Department of Political Science, Duke University. Time: 17:00,
Location: LTB 5
26 January (Week 17): 'Egalitarian Theories of Religious Freedom: A
sympathetic Critique', Cecile Laborde, The School of Public Policy, University
College London
9 February (Week 19): 'Realism and the Left: Social Democracy Beyond Social
Justice', Marc Stears, The Department of Politics and International Relations,
University of Oxford & The Institute for Public Policy Research
16 February (Week 20): (Title TBC), Michael Freeden, The Department of
Politics and International Relations, University of Oxford. Time: 13:00 (hosted
by the Centre for Theoretical Studies)
8 March (Week 23): 'Indigenous Peoples and the Development of New Paradigms
in the Teory and Practice of National Self Determination and Sovereignty',
Ephraim Nimmi, Schoool of Politics, International Studies and Philosophy, Queens
University, Belfast. Time: 13:00 (hosted by the Centre for Theoretical Studies)
15 March (Week 24): 'Ending Wars', Cacile Fabre, The Department of
Philosophy, University of Oxford CANCELLED
3 May (Week 31): 'Doing more than one's fair share', Zosia Stemplowska, The
Department of Politics and International Studies, University of Warwick
The Centre for Theoretical Studies Seminar Series
Conferences
The Essex International
Conference in Critical Political Theory
The Department has been hosting the Essex International Conference in
Critical Political Theory for the last ten years. Previous keynote speakers at
this conference include William E. Connolly, Stephen White, Jane Bennett,
Jacques Derrida, James Tully and Bonnie Honig.
This year's
conference takes place on 15-17 June 2011. The keynote speakers are:
- Davide Panagia
(University of Trent)
- Thomas Dumm (Amherst
College)
- Moya Lloyd
(Loughborough
University).
Visitors
We have an active programme hosting visitors, both senior and junior, for
both long and short periods of time. If you are interested in spending some time
with us please get in touch with one of the members of staff listed above.
Degree Programmes
We offer several postgraduate degree programs in Ideologies Discourse
Analysis and in Analytical Political Theory:
Related Research Centres at the University
Last modified on 15 March 2012