The Social Theory Working Group (STWG) is a forum for scholars interested in political and sociological theory, affiliated with the Department of Political and Social Sciences.
It is a group where scholars meet to discuss cutting-edge theory and canonical theoretical contributions. The members of the STWG organise monthly book-club-style meetings, where scholars can meet and discuss selected theoretical texts. The STWG is pluralist, and the works that the group discusses reflect this.
The STWG is a social, open space where scholars are encouraged to broaden their theoretical horizons and engage with the core concepts and themes that shape the political and social.
The meetings of the STWG are structured around a discussion sheet that is prepared and circulated by 1-3 members of the group a few days before the meeting.
The discussion sheet provides brief commentary on the selected texts and a list of preliminary questions or statements designed to spark an interesting and intellectually rewarding discussion. Oftentimes, the sheet is quickly left behind, and the discussion is directed by the questions and comments that arise in the room.The texts read and discussed by the working group are selected by the group’s members.
Master’s students, PhD researchers, post-doctoral fellows, and visiting scholars are all encouraged to participate and influence what will be read in the group. Recently, the working group has discussed the works of Chantal Mouffe, Erik Olin Wright, and W.E.B Du Bois.
If you would like to join the STWG, please email us at stwg@eui.eu.