Module description
The process of European integration raises deep issues for political theory because it subverts traditional conceptions of democracy, justice and citizenship and forcing a reassessment of the complex intellectual legacy inherited by Europeans. The module aims to equip students with the historical and analytical tools to reflect on such questions. It traces the intellectual roots of contemporary political traditions and debates by offering a historically sensitive approach, combining close reading of selected texts and and analysis of the political context in which they appear.
The module is devoted to the emergence of the modern notion of citizenship in the context of natural law theories, from 17th century English liberalism (Locke, Hobbes) to Kant.
*Please note that module information is provisional and may change from year to year.
Can't take with 6SSPP314 Advanced Texts in the History of Political Thought
OK for UAM |
Assessment details
One 2500 word essay (100%)
Educational aims & objectives
This module aims to:
- Introduce students to key texts and concepts in modern European political philosophy
- Deepen the students’ understanding of the academic skills required to engage with political theory and philosophy
- Develop the students’ understanding of the interaction between European political thought and contemporary European politics
- Critically evaluate political ideas and ideologies such as liberalism, contract theory, and natural law
Learning outcomes
By the end of the module, students will be able to demonstrate the intellectual, transferable and practicable skills appropriate to a Level 6 module and in particular will be able to:
- Show the ability to critically engage with the key currents and debates in European political thought
- Critically engage with and evaluate political ideas and ideologies such as liberalism and contract theory
- Demonstrate a sound knowledge of the relationship between political ideas and their relevance to contemporary politics
- Understand aspects of change and continuity in European political thought
Transferrable Skills:
- By engaging with complex texts, students will deepen their critical reasoning and analytical skills, including how to extract information from documents
- Through class discussions and evaluating their thoughts on the texts and concepts, students will develop advanced skills of argumentation and the ability to clearly and persuasively communicate their ideas
- By writing their essays, students will learn to construct coherent arguments drawing on interpretative engagements with primary material and secondary literature at an advanced level
Teaching pattern
One 2 hour lecture-seminar, weekly
Suggested reading list
The core readings are extracts from the following texts. Extracts will be provided, or linked to, on KEATS.
- Selections from the Putney Debates (1647)
- John Locke, Two Treatises of Government (1689)
- Thomas Hobbes, Leviathan (1651)
- Immanuel Kant, ‘On the common saying: That may be correct in theory, but it is of no use in practice’ (1793)