Modern Political Theory

Paper Code: 
POL 421
Credits: 
4
Contact Hours: 
60.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

The course will introduce the students to the important political thinkers and their insight into the discipline and encourage critical and reflective analysis and interpretation of social practices through the relevant conceptual toolkit.

Course Outcomes: 

Course

Learning outcomes (at course level)

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment Strategies

Course Code

Course Title

24POL 421

Modern Political Theory

(Theory)

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

CO115: Analyze the meaning, origin, nature, growth, role, and limitations of discipline.

CO116: Examine Easton’s and Almond's theories, including its historical background, framework, concepts, characteristics and criticism.

CO117: Understand features, conceptual structure, and critical analysis of Group Theory and Distributive Theory

CO118: Understand Political Development and Political Modernisation along with its meaning, models, effects, perspectives, and approaches.

CO119: Explore the concept of Political Socialisation and analyse Communication Theory and Decision Making Theory

CO120: 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: 
Growth as a Discipline

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: 
Theories

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: 
Theories

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: 
Political Development & Modernisation

Development- Meaning, Characteristics, Indicators of Political Development, Marxian Model of Political Development, Theories of Political Development - Welfare Model, Market model of Development and Gandhian Model 

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

 

12.00
Unit V: 
Theories

Political Socialisation – Meaning, Features and Criticism

 Communication Theory by Karl Deutsch- Features, Feedback Mechanism and Criticism; 

Decision Making Theory – features and criticisms

 

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
  • Johari JC (2020), Comparative Politics, Sterling
  • Johri,J.C., (2019), Contemporary Political Theory,Delhi, Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd
  • Rathod,PB , (2006),Modern Political Theory, New Delhi,Commomwealth Publishers
  • 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: 
  • 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
  • Johari JC (2020), Comparative Politics, Sterling
  • Johri,J.C., (2019), Contemporary Political Theory,Delhi, Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd
  • Rathod,PB , (2006),Modern Political Theory, New Delhi,Commomwealth Publishers
  • RC,Aggarwal,(2012), Political Theory, New Delhi,S. Chand &Co
  • Ray,SN, (2003),Modern Comparative Politics: Approaches, Methods, Issues, New Delhi,Asoke K Ghosh

 

Academic Year: