Understanding Political Theory (Theory)

Paper Code: 
24CPOL111
Credits: 
06
Contact Hours: 
90.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

This course is meant to provide an introduction to Political Science to students who have not had any exposure to the discipline. This is an introductory paper to the concepts, ideas, forms of Government and Political Theories. It seeks to explain the evolution and usage of these concepts and theories, both historically and analytically. It also Acquaint the students with a holistic overview of the organs of the government and their functioning in Polity.

Course Outcomes: 

Course

Learning outcomes

(at course level)

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment Strategies

Course Code

Course Title

24CPOL 111

Understanding Political Theory

(Theory)

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

CO1: understand the meaning of politics and able to identify the nature and significance of Political Science.

CO2: create new perspectives by integrating elements of normative, empirical, feminist and postmodern theories into

political analysis.

CO3: make comprehensive study on the concept of the state and its relationship with state and sovereignty.

CO4:  develop critical thinking to assess real-world case studies, debates, and current events related to democracy, theories of governance, and women's leadership.

CO5: analyze the concept of political participation and assess theories of representation.

CO6: 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

 
18.00
Unit I: 
Introducing Political Theory

Politics: Meaning, Nature and Scope; Traditions of Political Theory: Liberal, Marxist, Anarchist and Conservative 

 

18.00
Unit II: 
Approaches to Political Theory

Normative and Empirical; Behaviouralism and Post-Behaviouralism; Critical and Contemporary Perspective in Political Theory: Feminist and Postmodern

 

18.00
Unit III: 
State and Sovereignty

Meaning and Elements of State; Difference between State and Society; Theories of Origin of State: Divine, Historical, Evolutionary and Social Contract; Sovereignty: Meaning; Theories: Monistic and Pluralistic

18.00
Unit IV: 
Idea of Democracy

Meaning, Types: Procedural and Deliberative; Theories of Democracy: Liberal, Marxist and Elitist; Political Leadership: definition, elements and problems of women Leadership

18.00
Unit V: 
Political Participation

Problems of Participation; Representation: Meaning, Types, Theories

Essential Readings: 

Ø  Gauba O.P., (2023), An Introduction to Political Theory, New Delhi, Macmillan Publications

Ø  Mahajan, V.D .,(2022), Political Theory:Principles of Political Science, New Delhi, Sultan Chand and Sons

Ø  Heywood A.,(2019), Politics, United Kingdom , Red Globe Press

Ø  Agarwal, R.C.,(2018), Political Theory, New Delhi, S. Chand & Co

Ø  Bhargava, R., and Ashok,A.,(2016),Political Theory:An Introduction, New Delhi, Pearson Education

Ø  Asirvatham,E.,(2015), Political Theory, New Delhi, S. Chand & Co. Pvt. Ltd

Ø  Vermani, R.C.,( 2014). Political Theory:Concepts and Debates, Geetanjali Publications, New Delhi,

Ø  Gupta R.L.,( 2014), Political Theory, New Concepts: New Perspectives, New Delhi, Sultan Chand and Sons

References: 

Ø  Appadorai, A., (2015), Substance of Politics,Madrass, Oxford University Press

Ø  Hoffman, J. & Graham, P.,(2015),Introduction to Political Theory,London, Dorling Kindersely Publishers

Ø  Johri, J.C.,(2010), Principles of Political Science, New Delhi,  Sterling Publishers

Ø  Christiano,Th.,(2008), Issues in Political Theory,New York, Oxford University Press

Ø  Vincet, A.,(2007), The Nature of Political Theory,New York, Oxford University Press

Ø  Das, H. H. & Choudhary, B.C.,(2005), Political Theory, Jaipur, National Publishing House

Academic Year: