Courses: FIL116 Introduction to Modern Political Theory - Spring 2019

Credits

10.0

ECTS Credits

Level of Study

Bachelor

Language of Instruction

Norwegian or English

Teaching semester

Spring

Place of Instruction

Objectives and Content

Political theory is an interdisciplinary research field in which issues relating to equitable distribution, theory of democracy, recognition of minorities and different understandings of power is central. Political theory analyzes and reflects on current political issues and social, cultural and institutional change processes. The course covers topics related to the main directions and key issues in political theory from about 1970 to the present, with emphasis on both empirical-descriptive and normative theory formations (liberalism, communitarianism, proseduralisme) and postmodern perspective on the state, the individual and society.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge:

After completing the course, the student should have

a general overview of key concepts, theories and controversies in political theory
a general understanding of similarities and differences between different theoretical approaches, argumentation ways and ways of presentation

Skills:

After completing the course, the student should be able to

recognize and critically evaluate theoretical main positions, argumentation ways and ways of presentation in philosophical literature and in public policy discussions
convey feature of these main positions and reasoning methods in academic as well as in public contexts
reflect on the relevance of different directions in contemporary political theory for understanding the current social, cultural and institutional change processes

Competence:

After completing the course, the student should be competent to

independently identify and evaluate the key literature in contemporary political theory
to impart knowledge about this literature and the perspectives it provides on current issues both to a professional and a general public
to assess the relevance of central concepts and theories in the analysis of and reflection on key political controversy
identify and critically evaluate argumentation ways and ways of presentation in both professional and general texts on social, cultural and institutional change processes

The course can be part of a bachelor's degree with a specialization in philosophy. In combination with other topics and subjects may be included in an education that qualifies for teaching philosophy in high school or college. The course may also be suitable to support specialization in fundamental questions in connection with the study of other subjects.

Required Previous Knowledge

Recommended Previous Knowledge

Approved first semester studies. A good proficiency in English is necessary since it ought to be assumed that much of the prescribed reading will be in English.

Credit Reduction due to Course Overlap

FIL116 overlaps with FIL216.htmlFIL216 (Themes in Modern Political Theory) and FIL316.htmlFIL316 (Research Theme in Modern Political Theory).

Access to the Course

The course is open to students admitted at the University of Bergen

Teaching and learning methods

Teaching is offered in the form of lectures and/or seminars.

The number of gatherings may be reduced if the number of students attending the course is less than 4. In that case, the students will be compensated with individual or group tutoring.

Compulsory Assignments and Attendance

No compulsory requirements.

Forms of Assessment

Four-hour sit-in written examination with questions from various parts of the reading list.

Exams in the course are held every semester.

Examination Support Material

Grading Scale

From A to F

Assessment Semester

Reading List

Course Evaluation

The teaching will be evaluated from time to time.

Programme Committee

Course Coordinator

Course Administrator

Contact Information

Department of Philosophy

Email: studierettleiar@fof.uib.nostudierettleiar@fof.uib.no