Prospectus

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Contemporary Political Philosophy

Course
2016-2017

Tags

HD

Admissions requirements

History of Philosophy or Introduction to Social & Political Philosophy

Description

We disagree. We have conflicts about our interests and aims, about the nature of the good life, about what is valuable and worth fighting for, and about what justice requires. These disagreements form the backdrop of politics. In this advanced introduction to political philosophy we study a number of key texts from the contemporary literature with the aim to illuminate the relevance of diversity and conflict in political life. Topics include freedom and toleration, democracy and disagreement, political obligation and civil disobedience, justice and reasonable disagreement, feminism and multiculturalism.

Course objectives

After successful completion of the course students are able to:

  • Reproduce the main arguments of a number of contemporary political philosophers and apply them to current cases.

  • Develop a capacity to critically read, analyse, and interpret difficult philosophical texts at an intermediate level.

Timetable

Once available, timetables will be published here.

Mode of instruction

Seminars.

Assessment

Participation: 15%
Presentation: 15%
Brief assignments: 30%
Written examination with short essay questions: 40%

Blackboard

There will be a Blackboard site available for this course. Students will be enrolled at least one week before the start of classes.

Reading list

TBA

Registration

This course is open to LUC students and LUC exchange students. Registration is coordinated by the Curriculum Coordinator. Interested non-LUC students should contact course.administration@luc.leidenuniv.nl.

Contact

L.C.J.van.Apeldoorn@luc.leidenuniv.nl