History of Political Theory-II

Paper Code: 
POL224
Credits: 
04
Contact Hours: 
60.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

The students will get acquaint with political events and problems of the time of various thinkers, prescribed solutions and understand continuity and growth within the Western political tradition. 

                                                    

Course Outcomes: 

Course

Learning outcomes

(at course level)

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment Strategies

Course Code

Course Title

25POL

224

History of Political Theory-II

(Theory)

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

CO55:  Understand Utilitarianism's foundational principles by Bentham and J.S. Mill, emphasizing political implications and proposing nuanced perspectives on liberty, utility, and state policies

CO56: Analyze Hegel's Dialectical Materialism and Green's statehood theories, critically evaluating their contemporary relevance in political discourse.

CO57: Demonstrate advanced comprehension of Marxian philosophy, critically assessing key concepts and their implications for societal structures and dynamics.

CO58: Examine Lenin and Mao’s contributions to Marxism with a specific focus on their country. CO59: Engage in advanced analysis of Comte's and Laski's political theories, evaluating their contemporary relevance and proposing nuanced insights into governance, societal organization, and individual rights.

CO60: Contribute effectively in Course specific interaction

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: 
Bentham & J.S. Mill

                                                                                      

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: 
Hegel & Green

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

12.00
Unit III: 
Marx

                                                                                                       

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: 
Lenin & Mao

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: 
Comte & Laski

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: 

Ø  Gauba, O.P., (2021), Western Political Thought, New Delhi, Mayur Paperbacks

Ø  Sharma, U., & Sharma, S.K.,(2021), Western Political Thought: From Plato to Burke, New Delhi , Atlantic Publishers

Ø  Wayper, C.L.,(2021), Political Thought, India, Aitbs Publishers

Ø  Suda, J.P.,( 2020), History of Political Thought: (Vol. I&II), Merrut, K. Nath & Co

Ø  Boucher, D.,&  Kelly, P.,(2017)Political Thinkers, London,Oxford University Press

Ø  Mukherjee S. (2015), History of Political Thought: Plato to Marx, New Delhi,Prentice Hall of India

Ø  Pagare, G.K., (2012),Contemporary Political Thought , New Delhi,Cyber Tech Publications

 

 

References: 

Ø  Sabine,G.H.,(2019), History of Political Theory,New Delhi, Oxford and IBH Publishing Co. Pvt. Ltd.

Ø  Nelson B.R.,(2017),Western Political Thought, Second Edition, New Delhi, Pearson Education

Ø  Skoble,A. & Machan,T., (2007), Political Philosophy: Essential Selections, New Delhi, Pearson Education

Ø  Adam, I., & Dyson, R.W.,(2004),Fifty Great Political Thinkers, London, Routledge

Ø   Finlayson,A., (2003), Contmporary Political Thought ; A Reader and guide,New York, New York University Press

Ø  Coleman,J., (2000), A History of Political Thought: From Ancient Greece to Early Christianity, London, Blackwell

Ø  Kymlicka,W., (1990), Contemporary Political Philosophy : An Introduction, United Kingdom, Clarendon Press

Ø  Berki,R.N., (1977),The History of Political Thought: A Short Introduction, United States,  Rowman and Littlefield

Ø  Parekh ,B., & Pantham, T., (1987), Political Discourse: Explorations in Indian and Western Political Thought, New Delhi, Sage Publication

 

Academic Year: 
2025-26
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