COMPLITTHT 2109
Modern Political Thought: Text & Traditions
What is power? Why are societies divided along lines of race, class, and gender? When did politics become split between the right and the left? Can religion be reconciled with the demands of modern life? Can democracy? These are some of the questions that will be addressed in this survey of modern political thought. Thinkers covered will include Thomas Hobbes, Immanuel Kant, Karl Marx, WEB Du Bois, Hannah Arendt, and Michel Foucault.
Instructors
Amy Gais, Anna Bialek, Anne Margaret Baxley, Aylin Bademsoy, John Clancy, Lionel Cuille, Sarah Koellner
Reviews
Her reading assignments are all over the place and it is hard to grasp the essence of the text especially when the texts are hard to read themselves. Lacking organization. Grading seems arbitrary no matter how hard you try. Self-absorbed, and I was interrupted for several times when I was talking because she has to correct me based on her thoughts
9/19/2025
6-8 hrs/week
If you want to really learn you have to read a lot. You can also pass the class with Dr. Badesmosy just by reading every few chapters and talking a little in class. Concepts are a little hard to understand but if you focus on the readings and research after the readings you can really learn a lot from this class.
6/13/2024
Extremely interesting material and class discussions. King and willing to work with students. Very manageable workload. However, she strongly favors people and voices that agree with her own as well as non-outspoken individuals, and this is reflected in the grade you get.
12/22/2023
Amy is a fantastic professor. She makes sure her students get the most out of her class but never makes us feel stressed. Her Text and Tradition classes are mostly discussion based, which is great if you're more of a collaborative learner. She really makes you think before you speak, and she makes you think better, if that makes sense. 10/10.
11/15/2022
Readings, though helpful, are not necessary to survive the class conversations. Good discussions take place and he has good questions to spur them on. Not the most organized professor (very confusing syllabus), though he does grade papers in a timely manner.
5/3/2018
Dr Cuillé stands out as one of the best professors i have had in my time at Wash U. From professors I have had in PNP, IHP, and the pre-med requirements, he is one of the best. He teaches a great literary modernites course. Wash U would be hard pressed to find a better professor to lead such an in-depth and intellectual course.
5/11/2012