Modern Political Theory

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

This course would help the student familiarize with the basic modern concepts of political theory.

The objectives of this course are to:

  1. Each concept is related to a crucial political issue that requires analysis with the aid of our conceptual understanding. This exercise is designed to encourage critical and reflective analysis and interpretation of social practices through the relevant conceptual toolkit.
  2. This course also introduces the students to the important political thinkers and their insight into the discipline.
  3. Students will be exposed to the manner in which the questions of politics have been posed in terms that have implications for larger questions of thought and existence

Course

Learning outcomes (at course level)

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment Strategies

Paper Code

Paper Title

POL 421

Modern Political Theory

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

CO79: Understand and critically interpret political systems and processes; analyse texts and articles from journals of political science; present and discuss specific political topics both in group and individually; evaluate and compare different schools and authors of political theory.

 CO80: Discuss the most important political theorists in the western tradition and the ideas associated with them; conduct research into political questions using both traditional library, documentary, and interview sources and newer electronic modalities including the Internet and web sites.

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: 
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

Theories of Political Development - Welfare Model, Market model of Development and Gandhian Model 

 

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., (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: 
  • 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
  • Krishna,D,(1979), Political Development : A Critical Perspective,Delhi, Oxford University Press
  • 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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