History of Political Theory II

Paper Code: 
Pol 224
Credits: 
04
Contact Hours: 
60.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

This paper gives further understanding on the later part of modern times particularly the 20th century political thinking in variety of ways. The Course is rich in so far as understanding such crucial issues and concepts as rights, equality, liberty, freedom, democracy, social justice etc. The Course equips the students with the most current understanding of thought processes and thinkers belonging to diverse intellectual persuasions opened up refreshingly new ways of envisaging the self, public life and possibilities of crafting a new world and these endeavors offer a window to understand the complex tapestry of political life

The objectives of this course are to:

1. Acquaint the students with political events and problems of their time and prescribed solutions.

2. Understand continuity and change within the Western political tradition. 

                                                     Course Objectives (CO)

Course

Learning outcomes (at course level)

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment Strategies

Paper Code

Paper Title

POL 224

 

 

 

 

 

 

History of Political Theory-II

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

CO38:   Have a nuanced reflection of political thoughts and its impact on contemporary world

CO39: Comprehends knowledge advocated by various political philosophers on state and politics

 

CO40: Develop a comparative perspective of political philosophies in the west

CO41: Analyse and assess how these basic concepts and principles influenced the development of Western political thought, and consequently the evolution of political and social institutions, law, constitutions, and communities;

 

Approach in teaching:

Interactive Lectures, Discussion, Tutorials, Reading assignments, Power Point Presentation

 

Learning activities for the students:

Self-learning assignments, Effective questions, Seminar presentation, Giving tasks.

Class test, Semester end examinations, Quiz, Solving problems in tutorials, Assignments, Presentation, Individual and group projects

 

12.00
Unit I: 
Unit 1

Bentham- Basic principles of Utilitarianism, Political Implications of the philosophy, State and Punishment, Prison reforms, function and purpose of State,

J. S Mill - As a prophet of Empty Liberty, revisions of Bentham’s Utilitarianism

12.00
Unit II: 
Unit 2

Fredrich Hegel- Dialectical Materialism
T.H.Green- Theory of State, Resistance to State, War

 

12.00
Unit III: 
Unit 3

Marx- Basic Principles of Marxian Philosophy, Materialistic Interpretation of History, Theory of Surplus value, Origin and function of State, Theme of Alienation, Theory of class struggle

 

12.00
Unit IV: 
Unit 4

Lenin- Leninism- Definitions and Nature, Lenin’s contribution to Marxism, Theory of Party Organisation, Theory of Imperialism ,

Mao Zedong- Communism and Cultural Revolution

 

12.00
Unit V: 
Unit 5

 August Comte- Political Ideas, Development of Social and political Institutions,

Functional Division, Social stratification and Division of labour;

Harold Laski- State and Sovereignty, Liberty and Equality, Private Property

 

Essential Readings: 
  • Sharma, U., & Sharma, S.K.,(2020), Western Political Thought: From Plato to Burke, New Delhi , Atlantic Publishers
  • Wayper, C.L.,(2018), Political Thought, India, Aitbs Publishers
  • Gauba, O.P., (2017), Western Political Thought, New Delhi, Mayur Paperbacks
  • Boucher, D.,&  Kelly, P.,(2017) Political Thinkers, London,Oxford University Press
  • Suda, J.P., ( 2016), History of Political Thought: (Vol. I&II), Merrut, K. Nath & Co
  • Mukherjee S. (2015), History of Political Thought: Plato to Marx, New Delhi,Prentice Hall of India
  • Pagare, G.K., (2012), Contemporary Political Thought , New Delhi, Cyber Tech Publications

 

References: 
  • Sabine,G.H.,(2019), History of Political Theory,New Delhi, Oxford and IBH Publishing Co. Pvt. Ltd.
  • Nelson B.R.,(2017),Western Political Thought, Second Edition, New Delhi, Pearson Education
  • Skoble,A. & Machan,T., (2007), Political Philosophy: Essential Selections, New Delhi, Pearson Education
  • Adam, I., & Dyson, R.W.,(2004),Fifty Great Political Thinkers, London, Routledge
  •  Finlayson,A., (2003), Contmporary Political Thought ; A Reader and guide,New York, New York University Press
  • Coleman,J., (2000), A History of Political Thought: From Ancient Greece to Early Christianity, London, Blackwell
  •  Kymlicka,W., (1990), Contemporary Political Philosophy : An Introduction , United Kingdom, Clarendon Press
  • Berki,R.N., (1977), The History of Political Thought: A Short Introduction, United States,  Rowman and Littlefield
  • Parekh ,B., & Pantham, T., (1987), Political Discourse: Explorations in Indian and Western Political Thought, New Delhi, Sage Publication

 

 

 

Academic Year: 
2020-21
  • Printer-friendly version
  • PDF version