{"id":305,"date":"2025-03-10T16:00:15","date_gmt":"2025-03-10T16:00:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sola.kau.se\/ppg\/?page_id=305"},"modified":"2026-02-26T08:03:55","modified_gmt":"2026-02-26T08:03:55","slug":"critical-studies-of-power-politics-and-governing-anti-foundational-analysis","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/sola.kau.se\/ppg\/critical-studies-of-power-politics-and-governing-anti-foundational-analysis\/","title":{"rendered":"Critical studies of power, politics and governing \u2013 Anti-essentialist analysis"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>PhD Course<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Critical studies of power, politics and governing: Anti-essentialist analysis<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n<nav class=\"is-responsive items-justified-center wp-block-navigation is-content-justification-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-navigation-is-layout-a89b3969 wp-block-navigation-is-layout-flex\" aria-label=\"Header navigation\" \n\t\t data-wp-interactive=\"core\/navigation\" data-wp-context='{\"overlayOpenedBy\":{\"click\":false,\"hover\":false,\"focus\":false},\"type\":\"overlay\",\"roleAttribute\":\"\",\"ariaLabel\":\"Menu\"}'><button aria-haspopup=\"dialog\" aria-label=\"Open menu\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-container-open\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.openMenuOnClick\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleMenuKeydown\"\n\t\t\t><svg width=\"24\" height=\"24\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><rect x=\"4\" y=\"7.5\" width=\"16\" height=\"1.5\" \/><rect x=\"4\" y=\"15\" width=\"16\" height=\"1.5\" \/><\/svg><\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-container\"  id=\"modal-1\" 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10.94 5.53 4.47 4.47 5.53 10.94 12l-6.47 6.47 1.06 1.06L12 13.06l6.47 6.47 1.06-1.06L13.06 12Z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/button>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-navigation__responsive-container-content\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-wp-watch=\"callbacks.focusFirstElement\"\n\t\t\t id=\"modal-1-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-navigation__container is-responsive items-justified-center wp-block-navigation\"><li class=\"wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-home-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-home-link__content wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/sola.kau.se\/ppg\" rel=\"home\">Home<\/a><\/li><li class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/sola.kau.se\/ppg\/news\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">News<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/sola.kau.se\/ppg\/networks\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Networks<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/sola.kau.se\/ppg\/projects\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Projects<\/span><\/a><\/li><li data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;submenuOpenedBy&quot;: { &quot;click&quot;: false, &quot;hover&quot;: false, &quot;focus&quot;: false }, &quot;type&quot;: &quot;submenu&quot;, &quot;modal&quot;: null }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/navigation\" data-wp-on--focusout=\"actions.handleMenuFocusout\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleMenuKeydown\" data-wp-on-async--mouseenter=\"actions.openMenuOnHover\" data-wp-on-async--mouseleave=\"actions.closeMenuOnHover\" data-wp-watch=\"callbacks.initMenu\" tabindex=\"-1\" class=\"wp-block-navigation-item has-child open-on-hover-click wp-block-navigation-submenu\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/sola.kau.se\/ppg\/annual-symposium\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Annual Symposium<\/span><\/a><button data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isMenuOpen\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.toggleMenuOnClick\" aria-label=\"Annual Symposium submenu\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__submenu-icon wp-block-navigation-submenu__toggle\" ><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M1.50002 4L6.00002 8L10.5 4\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"><\/path><\/svg><\/button><ul data-wp-on-async--focus=\"actions.openMenuOnFocus\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__submenu-container wp-block-navigation-submenu\"><li class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/sola.kau.se\/ppg\/2026-symposium-state-of-neoliberal-authoritarianism\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">2026 Symposium: State of Neoliberal Authoritarianism<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/sola.kau.se\/ppg\/critical-studies-of-power-politics-and-governing\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">2025 Symposium: Critical studies of Power, Politics, and Governing<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/sola.kau.se\/ppg\/critical-studies-of-power-and-the-political-practical-information\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Practical information: travels, accommodation and participation<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li data-wp-context=\"{ &quot;submenuOpenedBy&quot;: { &quot;click&quot;: false, &quot;hover&quot;: false, &quot;focus&quot;: false }, &quot;type&quot;: &quot;submenu&quot;, &quot;modal&quot;: null }\" data-wp-interactive=\"core\/navigation\" data-wp-on--focusout=\"actions.handleMenuFocusout\" data-wp-on--keydown=\"actions.handleMenuKeydown\" data-wp-on-async--mouseenter=\"actions.openMenuOnHover\" data-wp-on-async--mouseleave=\"actions.closeMenuOnHover\" data-wp-watch=\"callbacks.initMenu\" tabindex=\"-1\" class=\"wp-block-navigation-item has-child open-on-hover-click wp-block-navigation-submenu\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\" href=\"https:\/\/sola.kau.se\/ppg\/phd-courses\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">PhD-courses<\/span><\/a><button data-wp-bind--aria-expanded=\"state.isMenuOpen\" data-wp-on-async--click=\"actions.toggleMenuOnClick\" aria-label=\"PhD-courses submenu\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__submenu-icon wp-block-navigation-submenu__toggle\" ><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"12\" height=\"12\" viewBox=\"0 0 12 12\" fill=\"none\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M1.50002 4L6.00002 8L10.5 4\" stroke-width=\"1.5\"><\/path><\/svg><\/button><ul data-wp-on-async--focus=\"actions.openMenuOnFocus\" class=\"wp-block-navigation__submenu-container wp-block-navigation-submenu\"><li class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/sola.kau.se\/ppg\/what-is-the-problem-represented-to-be-critical-policy-analysis-in-theory-and-practice\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">What is the Problem Represented to be?\u00a0\u2013 Critical Policy Analysis in Theory and Practice<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/sola.kau.se\/ppg\/critical-studies-of-power-politics-and-governing-anti-foundational-analysis\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Critical studies of power, politics and governing \u2013 Anti-essentialist analysis<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/sola.kau.se\/ppg\/calendar-events\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">Calendarium<\/span><\/a><\/li><li class=\" wp-block-navigation-item wp-block-navigation-link\"><a class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__content\"  href=\"https:\/\/sola.kau.se\/ppg\/about-us-contact\/\"><span class=\"wp-block-navigation-item__label\">About us\/Contact<\/span><\/a><\/li><\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div><\/nav>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\" \/>\n\n\n\n<p>The aim of this course is to introduce and deepen the understanding of employing an anti-foundational perspective in research. After an introductory overview of three contemporary post-structuralist approaches \u2013 assemblage thinking, discourse theory and governmentality studies \u2013 the course deepens discussions on topics such as: How can relevant research problems be articulated? What is the role of normativity in designing a study? How can analytical clarity and persuasion be achieved? How can research be disseminated in impactful ways?&nbsp;In more theoretical terms, this means that we emphasize the linkages between ontology, epistemology and methodology for designing, conducting and critiquing anti-foundational research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Summary of key themes<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The relationship between ontology, epistemology, and methodology in anti-essentialist reseach.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Major anti-essentialist perspectives, such as discourse theory, governmentality studies, and assemblage thinking<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Epistemological questions of normativity, problematization, analytical clarity, research relevance, and impact<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>The course is particularly suited for doctoral students seeking to strengthen the &nbsp;theoretical and methodological foundations &nbsp;of critical and anti-essentialist research.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/sola.kau.se\/ppg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/865\/2023\/02\/Bild2-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-33\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sola.kau.se\/ppg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/865\/2023\/02\/Bild2-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/sola.kau.se\/ppg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/865\/2023\/02\/Bild2-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/sola.kau.se\/ppg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/865\/2023\/02\/Bild2-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/sola.kau.se\/ppg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/865\/2023\/02\/Bild2-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/sola.kau.se\/ppg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/865\/2023\/02\/Bild2-2048x1152.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Application and Fee<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>The course is limited to 10 participants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>To apply, simply write a maximum 1 page letter where you briefly describe your background, research interests and in what way the course would benefit your work.&nbsp;Participants will be selected based on the relevance of the course to the applicant\u2019s research interests and needs, as well as with the aim of composing a dynamic and diverse study group that supports fruitful academic exchange.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Fee:<\/strong> The cost of the course is <strong>1200 SEK<\/strong> and will cover lunches, coffee and one joint dinner during the meet up.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Apply by sending your letter to&nbsp;<a href=\"mailto:tomas.mitander@kau.se\">tomas.mitander@kau.se<\/a>&nbsp;no later than&nbsp;<strong>March 31.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You will receive a decision&nbsp;<strong>april 10.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The online modules will open on<strong>&nbsp;may 18.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The physical meet up is<strong>&nbsp;august 26-28.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">practical information: travelling, accommodation and participation<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>We have prepared a page with information regarding practicalities for getting to and from Karlstad for those that participate in the course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>More information: <a href=\"https:\/\/sola.kau.se\/ppg\/critical-studies-of-power-and-the-political-practical-information\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"376\">Practical information: travels, accommodation and participation<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">preparation<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>Participants are expected to have&nbsp;prior familiarity with poststructuralist or closely related critical perspectives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Course format<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>The course is convened as a combination of online and on-site activities. For the online parts we use the platform Canvas. Participants will find more detailed information there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Preparatory phase (online, includes a start-up meeting through zoom)<\/strong><br>Readings, pre-recorded materials, short written reflections, and online discussions conducted through digital learning modules. Starts in may.&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>On-site meeting<\/strong><br>Prominent invited lectures, seminars, and participant presentations during a three-day meet up in Karlstad, Sweden in august 26-28.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Writing phase<\/strong><br>After the on-site meeting, participants write an individual course paper (approximately 5,000 words) applying the course content to their own PhD project. The paper will be presented and discussed at an online seminar. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Credits and certification<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>The course can either be finalized after step 1 and 2 for 5 credits, or after all steps for 7,5 ECTS credits. A signed certificate of completion can be issued for those who need it in order to register credits at their home departments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">syllabus<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>You can download the syllabus here: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-file\"><a id=\"wp-block-file--media-fbbd9423-1112-450a-85dd-355a16603794\" href=\"https:\/\/sola.kau.se\/ppg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/865\/2025\/05\/Syllabus-Ctitical-Studies-of-Power-Politics-and-Governing-Final.pdf\">Syllabus Ctitical Studies of Power, Politics and Governing-Final<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/sola.kau.se\/ppg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/865\/2025\/05\/Syllabus-Ctitical-Studies-of-Power-Politics-and-Governing-Final.pdf\" class=\"wp-block-file__button wp-element-button\" download aria-describedby=\"wp-block-file--media-fbbd9423-1112-450a-85dd-355a16603794\">Download<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h5 class=\"wp-block-heading\">contact and questions<\/h5>\n\n\n\n<p>If you have questions, please contact <a href=\"tomas.mitander@kau.se\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"tomas.mitander@kau.se\">Tomas Mitander<\/a>, coordinator for the Research Group on Power, Politics and Governing.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/sola.kau.se\/ppg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/865\/2023\/02\/Bild1-1024x576.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-36\" srcset=\"https:\/\/sola.kau.se\/ppg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/865\/2023\/02\/Bild1-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/sola.kau.se\/ppg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/865\/2023\/02\/Bild1-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/sola.kau.se\/ppg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/865\/2023\/02\/Bild1-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/sola.kau.se\/ppg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/865\/2023\/02\/Bild1-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/sola.kau.se\/ppg\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/865\/2023\/02\/Bild1-2048x1152.png 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>PhD Course Critical studies of power, politics and governing: Anti-essentialist analysis The aim of this course is to introduce and deepen the understanding of employing an anti-foundational perspective in research. After an introductory overview of three contemporary post-structuralist approaches \u2013 assemblage thinking, discourse theory and governmentality studies \u2013 the course deepens discussions on topics such [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1914,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-305","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sola.kau.se\/ppg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/305","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sola.kau.se\/ppg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sola.kau.se\/ppg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sola.kau.se\/ppg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1914"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sola.kau.se\/ppg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=305"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/sola.kau.se\/ppg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/305\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":634,"href":"https:\/\/sola.kau.se\/ppg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/305\/revisions\/634"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sola.kau.se\/ppg\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=305"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}