Modern Political Theory

Paper Code: 
Pol 512
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.

The objectives of this course are to:

1. Make learners aware of the various processes and principles of Political Science.

 

2. Acquaint the students with understand existing, contemporary and emerging trends in Politics.

Course

Learning outcomes (at course level)

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment Strategies

Paper Code

Paper Title

 

 

POL 512

 

 

Modern Political Theory

CO86: Understand and critically interpret political systems and processes; analyze texts and articles from journals of political science.

CO87: Present and discuss specific political topics both in group and individually; evaluate and compare different schools and authors of political theory.

CO88: Conduct research into political questions using both traditional library, documentary, and interview sources and newer electronic modalities including the Internet and web sites.

CO89: Recognize the major concepts which are useful for analyzing political process and phenomena.

 

 

Approach in teaching:

 

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

 

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

                                                          Course Objectives (CO)

 

 

12.00
Unit I: 
Unit 1

Classical Political Theory, Reasons of its decline and Resurgence of Political Theory

 

12.00
Unit II: 
Unit 2

Group Theory ( Bentley) –History,characteristics and Criticisms

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

12.00
Unit III: 
Unit 3

Communications Theory; Decision- Making Theory

 

12.00
Unit IV: 
Unit 4

Political Development – Meaning; characteristics; Models: Welfare Model, Market model and Gandhian Model

 

12.00
Unit V: 
Unit 5

Political Socialisation – Meaning, nature, critical analysis

Political Modernisation – Meaning, nature, factors affecting Political Modernisation

Essential Readings: 
  • Gauba,O.P., (2018), An Introduction to Political Theory,New Delhi,Mc Millan India Ltd
  • 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
  • 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: 
2020-21
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