Katerina Traut

My research uses critical approaches to empirical research to generate normative political theory. I recenter a politics of struggle in architectural histories to examine the dynamic relationship between architecture and political thought, while seeking to be accountable to those most marginalized by historical violence. While examining fortification used during the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, my book manuscript develops and models a decolonizing feminist methodology for studying space, geography, and architecture in political theory.

Beyond traditional academic pursuits, I am curious about the power of art, architecture, and story-telling to transform how we think and feel about ourselves and others. Learning from being in community with a Black-led multiracial community garden, I have contributed community-engaged historical and storytelling projects and programs. I support students to develop creative works in upper-level courses.

I have experience as a transformative justice process facilitator with a Collective in Tennessee. We seek to respond to harm and violence with community-based healing, accountability, and transformation. I also have experience as a yoga teacher. I incorporate grounding in the body and breath as a teacher, facilitator, and scholar.

Courses:

POL 102: Introduction to Political Thought

POL/WGS 202: Comparative Feminist Theory & Politics

POL 302: Architectures of War and Empire

POL 302/402: Grounded Normative Theory (capstone option)