Modern Political Theory

Paper Code: 
DPOL702(A)
Credits: 
06
Contact Hours: 
90.00
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. Make learners aware of the various processes and principles of Political Science. Acquaint the students with understand existing, contemporary and emerging trends in Politics.

Course Outcomes: 

Course

Learning outcomes

(at course level)

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment Strategies

Course Code

Course Title

25DPOL 702(A)

Modern Political Theory

(Theory)

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

CO61:  Understand the meaning, nature, and evolution of political theory, analyzing the characteristics of classical and modern political theory, along with the reasons for its decline and resurgence .

CO62:  Examine the foundational ideas of System Theory and Structural-Functional Theory, evaluating their frameworks, applications, and critiques

CO63:  Analyze key theoretical approaches, including Group Theory, Distributive Approach, and Communication Theory, assessing their relevance and criticisms.

CO64:  Explore the meaning, characteristics, and theories of political development, along with the concept of political modernization, its models, effects, and influencing factors .

CO65:  Investigate the processes of political socialization and political culture, examining their components, classifications, and critical perspectives.

CO66: Contribute effectively in Course specific interaction

 

Approach in teaching:

 

Interactive Lectures, Discussion, Tutorials, Reading assignments, Demonstration, Team teaching

 

Learning activities for the students:

Self-learning assignments, Seminar presentation.

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

 

18.00
Unit I: 
Introduction

                                                                                            

 

Political Theory-meaning  and Nature of political theory, Classical Political Theory- Characteristics and nature, Modern Political Theory:  Characteristics; Reasons of decline and Resurgence of Political Theory

18.00
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
 
18.00
Unit III: 
Theories

  Group Theory (Bentley) –History, characteristics and Criticisms

Distributive Approach (Harold Laswell), Basis of theory, Conceptual structure, ideas, criticisms.

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

18.00
Unit IV: 
Political Development and Political Modernisation

                               

Meaning, Characteristics, Indicators of Political Development, Marxian Model of Political Development, Theories of Political Development - Welfare Model, Market model of Development and Gandhian Model, Meaning of Political Modernisation, Models, effect, Perspective and Approaches, Factors affecting Political Modernisation

18.00
Unit V: 
Political Socialisation and Political Culture

 Political Socialisation: Meaning, nature, critical analysis,

Political Culture: Meaning, Components, Classification and Critical Analysis

Essential Readings: 
  • Gauba,O.P., (2023), An Introduction to Political Theory,New Delhi,Mc Millan India Ltd
  • Johari JC (2020), Comparative Politics, Sterling
  • Bhushan V (2022), Comparative politics
  • Hoffman,J and Graham,P (2015), Introduction to Political Theory,New York, Routledge
  • Bhargava, R , Acharya, A (2008), Political Theory- An Introduction , Pearson
  • Agarwal,R.C.,(2012), Political Theory, New Delhi,S. Chand &Co
References: 
  • Rathod,P.B , (2004),Modern Political Theory, New Delhi,Commomwealth Publishers
  • Chilcote (2nd), Theories of Comparative Politics: The Search for a Paradigm Reconsidered
  • Ray,S.N, (2003), Modern Comparative Politics: Approaches, Methods, Issues, New Delhi,Asoke K Ghosh
  • 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
  • Johri,J.C., (1997), Contemporary Political Theory,Delhi, Sterling Publishers Pvt. Ltd
  • 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: 
2025-26
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