Introduction:
For my Capstone project, I am focusing on the link between postmodernist philosophy and politics. Through my research, I will attempt to answer the questions: how does postmodernist philosophy inform our perceptions of the world, and to what extent are postmodernist theories considered in political decisions? Because postmodernists reject the idea of an objective natural reality, where human nature is predominantly determined at birth and not through social forces, I wonder how postmodernist perceptions of politics differ from traditional political theories. Additionally, I am curious as to whether this discrepancy has influenced the role of political discussions writ large. I hope that through this project, I will gain a greater understanding of how the works of postmodernists, such as Foucault and Baudrillard, have influenced politics and the ways in which political decisions are made.
This topic relates to our work in AP Lit this past year because many of Stephen Greenblatt’s theories about self-fashioning, knowledge, and power were influenced by Foucault and other paramount postmodernists. While I am researching the impact of postmodernism on politics, I will look for overlaps between the theories I encounter and Stephen Greenblatt’s Renaissance Self Fashioning.
My research plan for this topic includes finding experts in postmodernism and politics, reading their works, and collecting what I believe to be the most important information. Additionally, I will read political theories before and after the introduction of postmodernism to see how postmodernism has changed our discussions of politics. Finally, I will read influential postmodernist works, such as The Postmodern Condition, Simulacra and Simulacrum, and The Birth of Biopolitics, to better understand the impact they have had on politics.
This topic relates to our work in AP Lit this past year because many of Stephen Greenblatt’s theories about self-fashioning, knowledge, and power were influenced by Foucault and other paramount postmodernists. While I am researching the impact of postmodernism on politics, I will look for overlaps between the theories I encounter and Stephen Greenblatt’s Renaissance Self Fashioning.
My research plan for this topic includes finding experts in postmodernism and politics, reading their works, and collecting what I believe to be the most important information. Additionally, I will read political theories before and after the introduction of postmodernism to see how postmodernism has changed our discussions of politics. Finally, I will read influential postmodernist works, such as The Postmodern Condition, Simulacra and Simulacrum, and The Birth of Biopolitics, to better understand the impact they have had on politics.
Subject Matter Experts:
Dr. Holt, Internal: She has extensive knowledge on both postmodernism and politics. I hope that she will inform me on the overarching theories of postmodernist philosophers, so I can better connect those theories to my understanding of modern-day politics. Additionally, I hope that she will provide me with scholarly voices and articles to investigate throughout my research.
Mrs. Despathy, Internal: Through debate, she has introduced me to the theories of Foucault and Baudrillard. I hope that she can answer some of my questions about the importance of their theories of biopolitics and hyperrealities. Additionally, I hope that she can offer insight as to why postmodernism is so widely loathed.
Mikhail Epstein, External: He is a professor of postmodernism at Emory University who has published a book on the intersection of postmodernism and Russian politics. I wonder if he can provide insight on the geopolitical impact of postmodernism writ large.
Mrs. Despathy, Internal: Through debate, she has introduced me to the theories of Foucault and Baudrillard. I hope that she can answer some of my questions about the importance of their theories of biopolitics and hyperrealities. Additionally, I hope that she can offer insight as to why postmodernism is so widely loathed.
Mikhail Epstein, External: He is a professor of postmodernism at Emory University who has published a book on the intersection of postmodernism and Russian politics. I wonder if he can provide insight on the geopolitical impact of postmodernism writ large.
timeline:
Project Narrative due February 5: Begin writing on February 2nd, turn in on February 5th, peer review in class
Process Reflection 1 due February 7th: Meet with Dr. Holt and Mrs. Despathy on February 5th to ask for help finding a starting point for research and to develop questions for Professor Epstein, email Mikhail Epstein questions on February 6th, turn in process reflection on February 7th
Research Components due February 13-14: Write annotated bibliography after doing research, write up summaries of discussions with subject matter experts after completed
Thesis and Outline due March 12-13: Work on before spring break, have first draft by March 10th and final draft by March 12th.
Process Reflection 2 due March 19-20: Create a list of everything I have done by March 15th, write up final process reflection draft by March 17
Completed Draft of Written Component due April 2-3: Complete first draft by March 29. Final draft by April 1.
Artifact Proposal due April 9-10: Have done by April 8th
Revised Written Component due April 16-17: Complete by April 15th, peer review on April 17th
Artifact Progress Update Presentation due April 23-24: Have ready by April 23, present on April 24
Capstone Project portion of Website updated with Written components due May 4: Have this done by April 24
Complete Portfolio Website and Process Reflection 3 due May 11: Have this done by May 5th
Process Reflection 1 due February 7th: Meet with Dr. Holt and Mrs. Despathy on February 5th to ask for help finding a starting point for research and to develop questions for Professor Epstein, email Mikhail Epstein questions on February 6th, turn in process reflection on February 7th
Research Components due February 13-14: Write annotated bibliography after doing research, write up summaries of discussions with subject matter experts after completed
Thesis and Outline due March 12-13: Work on before spring break, have first draft by March 10th and final draft by March 12th.
Process Reflection 2 due March 19-20: Create a list of everything I have done by March 15th, write up final process reflection draft by March 17
Completed Draft of Written Component due April 2-3: Complete first draft by March 29. Final draft by April 1.
Artifact Proposal due April 9-10: Have done by April 8th
Revised Written Component due April 16-17: Complete by April 15th, peer review on April 17th
Artifact Progress Update Presentation due April 23-24: Have ready by April 23, present on April 24
Capstone Project portion of Website updated with Written components due May 4: Have this done by April 24
Complete Portfolio Website and Process Reflection 3 due May 11: Have this done by May 5th
Scholarly Conversation:
Steven Best- Wrote a book with Douglas Kellner analyzing the importance of postmodern theory on critical social theory and radical politics.
Douglas Kellner- Wrote a book with Steven Best analyzing the importance of postmodern theory on critical social theory and radical politics.
Michel Foucault- One of the most influential postmodernist philosophers. I feel like his works would have a lot of insight on the importance of postmodernism on politics.
Douglas Kellner- Wrote a book with Steven Best analyzing the importance of postmodern theory on critical social theory and radical politics.
Michel Foucault- One of the most influential postmodernist philosophers. I feel like his works would have a lot of insight on the importance of postmodernism on politics.
Initial Thoughts:
Although I am not entirely sure how, I believe that postmodernism has impacted politics by challenging the foundational claims of traditional political theories. For example, postmodernism has challenged many utopian, normative systems of thoughts in favor of nihilism, the belief that life is meaningless, and cynicism. Additionally, postmodernists like Foucault have endorsed piece-meal reforms and small action at the local level rather than large scale political movements focused on systemic change globally.