LIS 505J Radical Librarianship: Critical_Theory & Praxis
Drawing on critical theory from across disciplines, this course will examine the role of the library as an inherently political/cultural institution and consider the ways in which libraries and librarians can work to perpetuate or challenge the status quo. We will analyze major theories/theorists (e.g., Habermas, Freire, Chatman, Giroux, feminist theory, critical race theory, critical literacy/information literacy). Beyond examining theory, we will analyze how libraries actualize these theories (or not) and what more librarians could do to move beyond reflection and put theory into action.