Teaching code

4S012299

Teacher

Lorenzo Bernini

Coordinator

Lorenzo Bernini

Credits

6

Also offered in courses:

• Queer Philosophies of the course Master's degree in Philosophy

Language

Italian

Scientific Disciplinary Sector (SSD)

SPS/01 - POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY

Period

Sem. 1B dal Nov 10, 2025 al Dec 24, 2025.

Courses Single

Authorized

Lessons timetable Moodle Seminars 0

Learning objectives

Western political thought has long concealed sexual differences under the abstractly universal principle of equality of all individuals. This course provides examples of queer philosophies, i.e. critical philosophies that, on the contrary, have questioned the relationship between politics and sexuality from the point of view of so-called ‘sexual minorities’, and have consequently developed new interpretative models of the subject, of collectivity, and of political action. At the end of the course, students: KNOWLEDGE: - will accurately know the studied theories and authors, - and their role in contemporary political thought; - will understand the social and political processes involved in the construction of gender and sexuality, - and how these processes contribute to define the public debates that characterize contemporary democracies. ABILITIES: - will be able to discuss the studied subjects using a technical and suitable language; - will acquire an independent judgement on the studied subjects.

Prerequisites and basic notions

The course is introductory and has not prerequisites.

Program

Course title:
Sex, gender, sexuality and the sexual
Course content (for attending and non-attending students):
1. The first part of the course will open with an introduction to queer theories as critical political philosophies, distinguishing three different approaches within them: Freudomarxist theories of sexual liberation, constructivist theories of sexuality and gender, and anti-social queer theories.
2. The second part of the course will take the point of view of antisocial queer theories, to reread Freud (through Laplanche) with the intention of responding to the well-motivated polemics of constructivist theories (Foucault, Preciado) against psychoanalysis.

Bibliography

Didactic methods

Seminar lectures, discussions on the topics in the program.
Classes will be held in-person, will be recorded, and will remain available for one year.

Learning assessment procedures

For both attending and non-attending students: oral exam, lasting twenty /thirty minutes. Students are required to bring the exam texts with them.
The program will remain in effect for one year, then for six exam sessions (from January to September 2026).

Evaluation criteria

To pass the exam, students must demonstrate that they:
- understand the principles underlying the different traditions and the different philosophical models presented;
- are able to present their arguments in a precise and organic way;
- know how to apply the knowledge acquired to achieve a critical understanding of the contemporary world.

Criteria for the composition of the final grade

To pass the exam, the student must demonstrate sufficient knowledge of both parts.

Exam language

Italiano For Erasmus students: English (subject to prior agreement with professor Bernini)