Political Theory, 6 credits

Main field of study

Course level

Advancement level

Course offered for

• Bachelor´s Programme in Political science and economics

Entry requirements

General entry requirements and the entry requirements that apply for admission to the programme.

Intended learning outcomes

On completion of the course, the student should be able to

• demonstrate knowledge of basic concepts and thought patterns in political theory, both regarding older and newer literature,
• account for how such concepts, thoughts and ideas arise and are communicated in different social, political and epistemological contexts,
• in writing, reflect on and relate critically to political concepts, ideas and thought patterns and, orally, at a seminar, account for own lines of reasoning and relate to other students' equivalent achievements,
• argue for and against, and compare and contrast, different political concepts, ideas and thought patterns and take a critical approach to arguments and interpretations, from epistemological, ethical and democratic perspectives.

Course content

The course treats both older and newer political theory. Strong emphasis is placed on reading classical texts in their original form. Basic concepts and ideas of modern political theory are also studied.

Teaching and working methods

The course includes lectures where the course contents are introduced and developed. The lectures complement the reading list. The seminars provide an opportunity for discussion and advanced studies of certain parts of the course. The student should be well prepared for the lectures and, in particular, for the seminars. The student should study the reading list independently.

Parts that involve examination are compulsory.

Examination

The course is examined through a written examination at the end of the course, participation in the seminars and a brief written work.

Grades

Other information

Planning and implementation of a course must take its starting point in the wording of the syllabus. The course evaluation included in each course must therefore take up the question how well the course agrees with the syllabus. 

The course is carried out in such a way that both men´s and women´s experience and knowledge is made visible and developed.

Department