At the end of the course, the students should be able to:
The history and significance of utopian thinking and the main ways in which it has been criticised. Case studies are used to illustrate attempts to establish utopian communities in different historical and geographical contexts. Case studies as the base for thematic comparison of communities on topics such as the relationships between individuals and communities, and between communities and the wider society. Education of children, decision-making processes, ideals and practices. Evaluation of the successes and failures of intentional communities as attempts to progress towards more peaceful ways of living.