Department of European Studies & Modern Languages, Unit Catalogue 2007/08 |
EU20385 European political thought |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Intermediate |
| Semester: 1 |
| Assessment: ES 100% |
| Requisites: |
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Aims: The unit aims:
* to provide an introduction to major political thinkers of the European tradition; * to raise the students' awareness of the extent to which contemporary politics in European countries is based on philosophical and moral traditions that reach back for at least two centuries; * to enable students to contextualise and evaluate contemporary political debates in the light of ongoing debates in political thought and theory. Learning Outcomes: Students who have successfully completed this unit should: * have achieved a solid overview of major traditions in European political thought; * have acquired the ability to see contemporary politics and political debates in the context of European political thinking; * be able to understand and discuss political issues making use of the conceptual tools provided by political thought and theory. Skills: Skills in critical analysis, conceptual thinking, precision in the use of written and spoken language, exercise of independent judgement, reasoned argument and the planning/conduct/reporting of non-quantitative research are taught and assessed in this unit. Skills in effective learning are developed in this unit. Content: The course provides a survey of the major European political thinkers from Niccolo Machiavelli to Antonio Gramsci. |