History of Life Itself: Biopolitics in Modern Europe

Life has long existed, but also has a history of its own. With the development of the natural sciences and state governance of its own populations, human life can be said to have entered into history. Homo Sapiens became the subject of medical science, political philosophy, and state law. In looking at the intersecting histories of science, politics, and theories of life, this seminar will examine the origins and effects of political economy, biology, public health, racism, eugenics, state violence, and ultimately democracy. We will read meta-histories from theorists, case studies from historians, and classic works of political philosophy.