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 for undergraduate studies

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.

If the LiU coordinator for students with disabilities has granted a student the right to an adapted examination for a written examination in an examination hall, the student has the right to it. If the coordinator has instead recommended for the student an adapted examination or alternative form of examination, the examiner may grant this if the examiner assesses that it is possible, based on consideration of the course objectives.

Students failing an exam covering either the entire course or part of the course twice are entitled to have a new examiner appointed for the reexamination.

Students who have passed an examination may not retake it in order to improve their grades.

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