Ideologies

Ideologije

Course credits:

9.00 ECTS / 50 (30 hours of lectures, 0 hours of exercises, 20 hours of seminars, 0 hours other forms of work)

Course holder:

prof. dr. Žiga Vodovnik

Type:

Required

Language:

English

Semester:

Second semester

Study degree

2. level

Course execution:

• Postgraduate Programme of Political Science – Political Theory, Global and Strategic Studies

Prerequisits:

Students are allowed to participate in the course provided that they have completed the enrolment procedure.

Objectives and competences

The goal of the course is to expose students to some of the seminal theories of ideologies since the mid-twentieth century – i.e., to produce a map of contemporary theories of ideology. This should enable them to critically evaluate and use the concepts and theories acquired during the course for their later work – research. Students will gain knowledge about major theories of ideology and will focus on the core texts/authors in the field. Students will be able to identify the ideological dimensions of political, cultural and social events and ideological analysis of texts, films, literature and music.

Content (Syllabus outline)

The course will examine and interpret a variety of contemporary political ideologies that address major political concepts and dilemmas in the (post)modern world. The course also addresses, inter alia, the genealogies of major political ideologies and their political and theoretical foundations; classical theories of ideology; ideologies of everyday life; the ideological dimension of the end of ideology/history/alternatives. The goal of the course is two-fold: to expose students to some of the seminal theories of ideologies since the mid-twentieth century – i.e., to produce a map of contemporary theories of ideology, and to engage them in fruitful debates and discussions over questions, dilemmas, and controversies that these theories raise. This should enable them to critically evaluate and use the concepts and theories acquired during the course for their later work – research. Unavoidably, our readings will be selective, but nevertheless we will study a wide range of topical theories/theorists as they explore the following themes: power, violence, revolution, human nature, liberty, equality, justice, civil society, democracy.

Intended learning outcomes:

Significant knowledge of the ideologies and their role in the contemporary world. An understanding of the dynamics of power and decision making in various political systems. The ability to critically analyze the political-economic relationships. The ability to make comparisons among different political ideologies. Competence in scholarly writing and oral communication.

Learning and teaching methods:

Lectures and seminars.

Assessment

50 % Written exam 50 % essays

Obligatory literature

Additional literature