Modern Political Theory

Paper Code: 
POL 421
Credits: 
04
Contact Hours: 
60.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

This paper seeks to provide an in-depth understanding of the nature of the discipline and its major concepts useful for analyzing political process and phenomena. It focuses on the political theory and provides an advanced insight into the discipline. It seeks to explain the evolution and usage of new concepts and theories.

12.00
Unit I: 
UNIT 1

Growth of Political Science as a Discipline- Traditionalism, Behaviouralism – Meaning, Origin, Nature, growth, role and limitations

Post- Behaviouralism- Causes for the Growth of Behaviouralism, Characteristics, Achievements and Limitations 

12.00
Unit II: 
UNIT 2

System Theory (David Easton)- Historical Background, Input support and Output of Political System, Flow Model of Political System,  Criticism of David Easton’s viewpoint

Structural- Functional theory (Gabriel Almond)- Almond’s definition of system, Framework and concepts of structure and function , Characteristics, Criticism

12.00
Unit III: 
UNIT 3

Group Theory ( Bentley)- History of Group Approach, Group Approach in Political Science, Features and evaluation of Group Theory

Distributive Theory (Harold Laswell)- Basis of theory, Conceptual structure, ideas,  Critical analysis

12.00
Unit IV: 
UNIT 4

Political Development- Meaning, Characteristics, Indicators of Political Development, Marxian Model of Political Development

Political Modernisation- Meaning, Models, effect, Perspective and Approaches, Factors affecting Political Modernisation

12.00
Unit V: 
UNIT 5

Political Development- Meaning, Characteristics, Indicators of Political Development, Marxian Model of Political Development

Political Modernisation- Meaning, Models, effect, Perspective and Approaches, Factors affecting Political Modernisation

Essential Readings: 
  • Gauba,O.P., (2018), An Introduction to Political Theory,New Delhi, New Delhi,Mc Millan India Ltd
  • Jain,M.P. , (1993) , Political Theory, New Delhi,Authors Guild
  • Johri,J.C., (1997), Contemporary Political Theory,Delhi, Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd
  • Rathod,PB , (2004),Modern Political Theory, New Delhi,Commomwealth Publishers
  • Rathod,PB, (2006), Modern Political Theory,New Delhi, Commonwealth
  • RC,Aggarwal,(2012), Political Theory, New Delhi,S. Chand &Co
  • Ray,SN, (2003), Modern Comparative Politics: Approaches, Methods, Issues, New Delhi,Asoke K Ghosh

 

References: 
  • Almond,G.A and Coleman,J.S,(1960), The Politics of the Developing Areas, Princeton,Princeton University Press  
  • Apter,D.E.,(1965), The Politics of  Modernization, ,Chicago, University of Chicago Press
  • Bell,D,(1960),The End of Ideology,New York,The Free Press
  • Blondel,J,(1981),The Discipline of Politics,London, Butterworths
  • Bebler and J. Seroka,(1990), Contemporary Political System : Classifications and Typologics,Boulder Colorado,Lynne Reinner Publishers
  •  Brinton,(1952), The Anatomy of Revolution, New York, Vintage Books
  • Gauba,OP,(2018), An Introduction to Political Theory,New Delhi, Mayur Paperback
  • Johari,J.C,(1987),Comparative Political Theory  : New Dimensions, Basic Concepts and Major Trends,  New Delhi,Sterling
  • Krishna,D,(1979), Political Development : A Critical Perspective,Delhi, Oxford University Press
  • Mehran, Kamrava,(1993), Politics and Society in the third world,London,  Routledge.
  • Powell,G.B. Jr.(1996), Comparative Politics : A Development Approach,Boston, Little Brown
  • Verba,S,(1963),The Civic Culture : Political Attitudes and Democracy in Five Nations ,Princeton, Princeton University Press
Academic Year: 
2019-20
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