Courses: FIL249 Political Philosophy - Spring 2019
Credits
10.0ECTS Credits
10 ECTS
Level of Study
Bachelor
Full-time/Part-time
Language of Instruction
Norwegian or English
Teaching semester
Spring
Place of Instruction
Bergen
Objectives and Content
Political Philosophy 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. Specialized study courses presuppose good background knowledge in philosophy, and students should normally have finished their exams in all 100-level cumpolsary courses. 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
FIL249 overlaps with FIL349.htmlFIL349 (Research Theme in Political Philosophy). ..\Gamle\FIL216.htmlFIL216 (), FIL116.htmlFIL116 (Introduction to Modern Political Theory), ..\Gamle\FIL316.htmlFIL316 (), ..\Gamle\FIL211.htmlFIL211 (Specialized Study in Philosophy 1), ..\Gamle\FIL212.htmlFIL212 (Specialized Study in Philosophy 2), ..\Gamle\FIL213.htmlFIL213 (Specialized Study in Philosophy 3), ..\Gamle\FIL214.htmlFIL214 (Specialized Study in Philosophy 4), ..\Gamle\FIL225.htmlFIL225 (Modern Political Theory), ..\Gamle\FIL301.htmlFIL301 (Research Topics in Philosophy 1), ..\Gamle\FIL302.htmlFIL302 (Research Topics in Philosophy 2) eller ..\Gamle\FIL303.htmlFIL303 (Research Topics in Philosophy 3) might overlap with FIL249 Contact studierettleiar@fof.uib.no for more information.
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
An approval of compulsory requirements is valid for three semesters, including the semester in which the approval is given.
Submission of a draft of the semester assignment paper before supervision.
Individual supervision given by the teacher of the course / peer review
Submission of a short assignment at 900-1200 words. The topic is given by the teacher. Deadline is set by the department. The assignment must be approved to be able to take the exam.
Forms of Assessment
A supervised semester assignment paper of 3000- 5000 words (not including table of contents, list of references etc.) The topic of the paper must be approved in advance by the teacher of the course. . The semester assignment paper will be assessed at the end of the semester.
Exams in the course are held every semester.
The compulsory activities have to be formally approved before one can take an exam in the course.
Examination Support Material
Grading Scale
From A to F
Assessment Semester
Spring
Reading List
Course Evaluation
The teaching will be evaluated from time to time.
Programme Committee
Department of Philosophy
Course Coordinator
Department of Philosophy
Course Administrator
Department of Philosophy
Contact Information
Department of Philosophy
Email: studierettleiar@fof.uib.nostudierettleiar@fof.uib.no
Department
Department of Philosophy