5.00 credits
30.0 h
Q1
This learning unit is not open to incoming exchange students!
Teacher(s)
Rihoux Benoît; Van Parijs Philippe; Vanderborght Yannick (compensates Rihoux Benoît);
Language
English
Main themes
In relationship with recent developments in political philosophy, the course may focus on some of the following themes:
-In depth reading of one or two classics, from two different periods in history (e.g. Locke's Two Treatises or Hobbes's Leviathan and Manin's Principles of Representative Government or Kymlicka's Multicultural Citizenship)
-The very idea of contractualism and contractarianism
-The notion of liberalism
-The notion of multiculturalism
-Some contemporary questions in the theory of democracy (e.g. the boundary problem or the value of transparency)
-'
-In depth reading of one or two classics, from two different periods in history (e.g. Locke's Two Treatises or Hobbes's Leviathan and Manin's Principles of Representative Government or Kymlicka's Multicultural Citizenship)
-The very idea of contractualism and contractarianism
-The notion of liberalism
-The notion of multiculturalism
-Some contemporary questions in the theory of democracy (e.g. the boundary problem or the value of transparency)
-'
Learning outcomes
At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to : | |
| 1 |
At the end of the course, students will: -know the work of some of the main authors in the history of political thought (Locke, Hobbes, Rousseau, Mill, Hume, Condorcet, Marx,') and trace their legacy into current debates -have developed the skills of reading the work of an author while being both able to locate it in a school of thought and to interpret it in view of the whole work in which it is located -develop the analytical skill of being able to understand the various ways of understanding concepts such as representation, citizenship, deliberation,' and the way in which they combine into a theory of democracy -have a sense of the main contemporaries in the theory of democracy and the way in which normative theories of democracy combine with theories of justice |
Content
The course offers an introduction to contemporary political thought in relation to its historical roots. It consists this year of the following components:
- An overview of four important currents of thought: liberalism, socialism, ecologism and nationalism
- A short flashback to the origins of Western political thought: Plato and Aristotle
- The reading of excerpts from John Stuart Mill’s Considerations on Representative Government and On Liberty, in connection with contemporary debates on the right to vote and freedom of expression
- A debate with a political personality prepared by students
Teaching methods
Mostly presentations by the teachers. The active participation of students in class is important. Consequently, regular attendance is essential. A set of required and recommended readings will be provided, and handouts will be distributed.
Evaluation methods
The assessment will be based on a written examination (in English) that aims to assess the knowledge and understanding of the currents of thought, texts and debates presented in class, and the students' capacity to engage in personal reflection on the issues discussed in class. If the public health measures require it, the adoption of a different formula is possible.
Online resources
Brief summaries of the lectures will be provided to the students, as well as required and recommended readings.
Bibliography
Brief excerpts by various authors on Moodle.
Teaching materials
- Outline and brief summaries + excerpts from authors.
Faculty or entity
ESPO
