Nancy Hirschmann

Nancy Hirschmann is the Geraldine R. Segal Professor in American Social Thought at the University of Pennsylvania’s School of Arts & Sciences, Department of Political Science. Her work focuses on political theory, disability rights, feminist theory, and the intersection of gender with public policy. A former Vice-President of the American Political Science Association, she has held leadership roles in academic institutions and research centers globally.

Her research examines freedom through a disability lens, analyzing how bodily constraints shape political thought. Key contributions include *Gender, Class, and Freedom in Modern Political Theory* (2008) and *The Subject of Liberty* (2003), which won the 2004 Victoria Schuck Award. Hirschmann has held prestigious fellowships at the National Humanities Center, Stanford University, and Princeton University’s Institute for Advanced Study.

Teaching spans modern political theory, feminist theory, and disability studies. She previously taught at Cornell University and Swarthmore College. Her recent projects include exploring disability’s role in citizenship and analyzing populism’s impact on democratic processes. Office hours are available via email despite sabbatical leaves.

• Education Background: Extensive academic career with prior roles at Cornell and Swarthmore before joining Penn in 2002.
• Research Interests: Disability theory, gender policy, political thought history, and public policy frameworks.
• Awards: 2004 Victoria Schuck Award for *The Subject of Liberty*.
• Grants & Fellowships: ACLS, National Humanities Center, Stanford Center for Advanced Study.
• Labs/Teams: Collaborates with interdisciplinary groups on disability studies and feminist political theory.