Political Science

PS202 - Gramsci for Today. Reading the Prison Notebooks

Course Description

The course introduces the student to Antonio Gramsci’s thought; he was one of the most influential and read thinkers of the past century. His Prison Notebooks proposes a very original and creative interpretation of Marx’s theory of society, that has become popular far beyond the close limits of marxism. His theory of hegemony, culture, the role of intellectuals have attracted and influenced a broad range of scholars and politicians. The course is not just an introduction to his work, but a critical investigations that tries to focus on those categories can still play a relevant role in the interpretation and transformation of current society.

The course is based on the most updated researches on Gramscian thought, also related to the ongoing publication of the new critical edition of his work.

Class meets twice a week In each meeting, the first part is dedicated to answer questions and discuss points about the assigned materials. In the second part the teacher introduces new topics and provides materials to be studied for the next meeting. 

Course Hours

The course meets twice a week for a total of 45 contact hours. Suggested credits: 3

Student Learning Expectations

A deep understanding of Gramsci’s thought. The capacity to reconstruct a theory in its historical context and be able to translate and adapt it for the understanding of the contemporary political thinking.