Tag(s)
M:WP
Admission requirements
This is a required methodology course for LUC students wishing to major in World Politics.
Description
In the pursuit of understanding and explanation the student of world politics can draw on the rich resources of political theory. As discipline political theory aims to contribute to the analysis of central concepts such as justice, freedom, equality and democracy, and to systematise and justify normative judgements about political and social institutions, forms of inequality, authority and oppression. This course forms an advanced introduction to this body of thought. Six principal methodological approaches are surveyed, as well as a number of key thinkers and perennial themes. This approach fosters appreciation of the variety of ways in which one can engage with important political issues, themes and problems, as well as sharpen ones critical thinking skills in the application of these methods.
Course objectives
Understanding of the character of prominent methodologies in political theory
Understanding of some central themes, concepts and traditions in political theory today
An appreciation of the range and diversity of sources in political theory
Further develop the capacity to engage with complex texts and develop clarity of expression verbally and in writing
Assessment method
Presentation; Participation; Mid-term essay; Final essay
Literature
A reader will be prepared for this course, and will be made available via blackboard.
Contact Information
Laurens van Apeldoorn
l.c.j.van.apeldoorn@phil.leidenuniv.nl
Weekly Overview
Week 1: Liberalism
Week 2: Conservatism
Week 3: Realism
Week 4: Marxism
Week 5: Critical Theory
Week 6: Poststructuralism
Week 7: Conclusion