Module Code - Title:
PO4033
-
POLITICAL THEORY
Year Last Offered:
2023/4
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
PO4011
PO4022
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module will cover the basic concepts in contemporary political theory, building on the ideas introduced in PO4022 Modern European Political Thought. The goal is to develop a clear understanding and mastery of the main concepts and ideas in political theory.
Syllabus:
PO4022 Modern European Political Thought introduced students to the basic concepts in political theory via a historical narrative that stressed the richness of political thinking. This module takes the key concepts in contemporary political theory, that were introduced in PO4022, and presents a deeper understanding of their role and relevance in the contemporary world. Concepts covered in the module will include: democratic theory; modern political ideologies; tolerance and multiculturalism; national identity and citizenship and political mortality. Students will be introduced to the different approaches within political theory, as well as how the concepts discussed in this module relate to broader issues within political science.
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
Describe a range of controversies and debates in contemporary political theory.
Apply the methods of normative reasoning and conceptual analysis to contemporary political controversies.
Compare rival theoretical views about political concepts and issues.
Analyse core political concepts, including justice, freedom, equality, rights, obligations, and authority.
Assess the relevance of political theory to questions of political practice and to the discipline of political science.
Present logical arguments about abstract ideas in both verbal and written forms.
Affective (Attitudes and Values)
Demonstrate an appreciation of the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches to political theory
Psychomotor (Physical Skills)
N/A
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
Lectures and seminars.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
McKinnon, C. (2008)
Issues in Political Theory
, Oxford University Press
Swift, A. (2006)
Political Philosophy
, Polity
Rawls, J. (1999)
A Theory of Justice (revised ed.)
, Oxford University Press
Nozick, R. (1974)
Anarchy, State and Utopia
, Basic Books
Other Relevant Texts:
Andrew Heywood (2003)
Political Ideologies
, Palgrave
Andrew Vincent (1997)
Political Theory. An Introduction
, Cambridge University Press
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
Semester - Year to be First Offered:
Autumn
-
09/10
Module Leader:
Andrew.Shorten@ul.ie