Prospectus

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Politics and Economy: Philosophical Foundations

Course
2025-2026

Disclaimer: The information on this page is from 24-25. The information will be updated as soon as possible.

Admission requirements

Admission to (one of) the programme(s) listed under Part of in the information bar on the right.

Description

This course introduces key philosophical concepts for the study of politics and the economy.
Part 1 of the course focuses on the circumstances of politics, including such topics as the state, liberalism, democracy, and ideal theory.
Part 2 focuses on the economy, including such topics as markets, economic growth, the methodology of economics and cooperation.

Course objectives

Students who have successfully completed the course will be able to:

  • Explain and assess theories of the state, liberalism, democracy, administration, and politics.

  • Explain and identify the assumptions of ideal and non-ideal theory

  • Explain the basic concepts of economics, including such topics markets, growth, public goods, utility, as well as elementary game theory.

  • Critically assess the methodology of politics, economics, and cooperation.

  • Engage in critical evaluation of various ideas in politics and economics.

  • Participate in discussion about the philosophical foundations of politics and the economy.

  • Write a coherent argumentative text within limited time.

  • Give constructive but critical feedback on written arguments.

Timetable

The timetables are available through MyTimetable.

Mode of instruction

Seminar.

Assessment method

Assessment

  • Three assignments (30% of the final grade)

  • One final paper of app. 3500 words (60% of the final grade), revised in the light of peer reviews.

  • Peer reviews of final papers (10% of final grade)

  • Presence and active participation (mandatory)

The weekly assignments, the peer reviews, as well as the final paper will receive feedback and grades through BrightSpace and TurnItIn. Attendance will be tracked using BrightSpace as well.

Weighing

The final mark for the course is established by (i) determination of the weighted average combined with (ii) additional requirements (i.e., presence and active participation). To pass the course, the weighted average of the partial grades must be 5.5 or higher.

Resit

One resit will be offered, consisting of one substantial paper of app. 3500 words. This will replace the final paper; it does not replace the results of assignments and peer reviews.

Inspection and feedback

Students will have an opportunity to discuss the grading of their essays with the instructor.

Reading list

Required readings for each week will be available via Brightspace.

Registration

Enrolment through MyStudyMap is mandatory.

General information about course and exam enrolment is available on the website.

Contact

  • For substantive questions, contact the lecturer listed in the information bar on the right.

  • For questions about enrolment, admission, etc, contact the Education Administration Office: Huizinga.

Remarks