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Political Theory Colloquium

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George Klosko, presenter at the Political Theory Colloquium
George Klosko, presenter at the Political Theory Colloquium

The Political Theory Colloquium brings together UVA faculty and graduate students to discuss new and in-progress work in political theory. Visitors are drawn from UVA’s faculty and beyond, and they reflect the wide range of work being done in the field. Regular participation in the colloquium is an important component of the subfield’s professionalization and graduate training, and should be a priority for all students. The colloquium also welcomes everyone who is interested in political theory and cognate fields. Papers are distributed in advance, and participants come prepared to discuss them.

Preliminary abstracts for each paper that is being presented are available below. Paper drafts will be circulated 7–10 days before the talk via e-mail. Participants of the colloquium are responsible making themselves familiar with the circulated draft prior to the beginning of the talk. Each speaker will introduce their work with a few brief remarks. Then, an assigned discussant (in most cases, graduate students in our Department) will raise a few preliminary talking points about the draft. After the speaker responds to those comments, anyone in attendance may raise their hand and ask questions about the paper.

Please contact Hyunsoo Kwon or Diego Tapia Riquelme if you would like to be added to the email distribution list for papers, if you require any accommodations to participate in the speaker series, or if you have any questions, comments, or concerns.

Unless otherwise noted, the colloquium meets 2:00-3:30pm Eastern time.


Current Series

2025-2026

Headshot Da

The Chinese Tragedy of King Lear

Nan Da
Associate Professor, Johns Hopkins University
Gibson Hall S296
Headshot McQueen

Alison McQueen
Associate Professor of Political Science, Stanford University
Gibson Hall S296
Headshot Rosenblum

Sam Rosenblum
Postdoctoral Fellow, Program for Constitutionalism and Democracy, University of Virginia
Gibson Hall S296
Headshot Bird

Colin Bird
Professor, University of Virginia
Gibson Hall S296
Kaku Headshot

Archana Kaku
Assistant Professor, William & Mary
Gibson Hall S296
Toscano Headshot

Alberto Toscano
Adjunct Professor, Simon Fraser University
Gibson Hall S296
Russell Headshot

Ryan Russell
Graduate Student, University of Virginia
Gibson Hall S296
Gorup Headshot

Michael Gorup
Assistant Professor, Ithaca College
Gibson Hall S296
Wills Headshot

Vanessa Wills
Associate Professor, The George Washington University
Gibson Hall S296