Module Code - Title:
PO5015
-
GRADUATE SEMINAR IN CONTEMPORARY POLITICAL THEORY
Year Last Offered:
2023/4
Hours Per Week:
Grading Type:
N
Prerequisite Modules:
Rationale and Purpose of the Module:
This module will introduce students to the work of leading contemporary political theorists and to some prominent debates within recent political theory. The module blends conceptual analysis, normative reasoning and the close reading of complex philosophical arguments in order to enable to students to develop their analytical skills in reading, understanding, interpretation and argument.
Syllabus:
Political Concepts (Political Authority and Obligation; Liberty; Equality; Rights) - Theories of Justice (Liberal Egalitarianism; Libertarianism; Socialism; Communitarianism) - Democratic Theory (Representation; Deliberation; Legitimacy)
Learning Outcomes:
Cognitive (Knowledge, Understanding, Application, Analysis, Evaluation, Synthesis)
Describe some of the major philosophical concerns of contemporary political theorists.
Critically evaluate, though the close reading of texts, key contributions to recent political thought.
Apply the methods of normative reasoning and conceptual analysis to contemporary political controversies.
Compare rival theoretical views about political concepts and issues.
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)
How the Module will be Taught and what will be the Learning Experiences of the Students:
This graduate seminar will enable students to become more knowledgeable by developing their understanding of major recent contributions to political theory and of the methods utilised by contemporary political theorists, such as normative and conceptual analysis. It will pay close attention to the relationships between different approaches to political theory and to ethics, political science, politics and society. Taught through discussion and seminar, and assessed by a combination of essay and oral presentation, it will also help to develop student competence in conveying ideas clearly, effectively and professionally.
Research Findings Incorporated in to the Syllabus (If Relevant):
Prime Texts:
Goodin, R. and Pettit, P. (eds.) (2006)
Contemporary Political Philosophy: An Anthology
, Blackwell
Kymlicka, W. (2001)
Contemporary Political Philosophy: An Introduction
, Oxford
Dryzek, J., Honig, B. and Phillips, A. (eds.) (2006)
The Oxford Handbook of Political Theory
, Oxford
Other Relevant Texts:
Programme(s) in which this Module is Offered:
MAEPGOTFA - EUROPEAN POLITICS AND GOVERNANCE
MAINSTTFA - INTERNATIONAL STUDIES
MAPDSTTFA - PEACE AND DEVELOPMENT STUDIES
MAPOLITFA - POLITICS
MAPUADTFA - PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
Semester - Year to be First Offered:
Module Leader:
Andrew.Shorten@ul.ie