Selected Problems of Political Theories

Izbrani problemi politoloških teorij

Course credits:

9.00 ECTS / 60 (30 hours of lectures, 0 hours of exercises, 30 hours of seminars, 0 hours other forms of work)

Course holder:

izr. prof. dr. Andrej Kurnik

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 political theories since the mid-twentieth century – i.e., to produce a map of contemporary political theories. This should enable them to critically evaluate and use the concepts and theories acquired during the course for their later work – research. The students will broaden the scope of theoretical concepts acquired during the undergraduate studies, and gain additional knowledge about ontological, epistemological and methodological dimensions of political theories.

Content (Syllabus outline)

The course is conducted in the final stages of the MA program in political science and has the aim of reviewing selected problems of contemporary political theories. During the semester we will examine and interpret a variety of contemporary theories, theoretical arguments, and paradigms, that address major political concepts and dilemmas in the (post)modern world. The goal of the course is two-fold: to expose students to some of the seminal political theories since the mid-twentieth century – i.e., to produce a map of contemporary political theories –, and to engage them in fruitful debates and discussions over questions, dilemmas, and controversies which 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.

Intended learning outcomes:

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 theories. The ability to interpret new political phenomena and challenges. Competence for independent analysis of contemporary political theories and understanding of political circumstances in which they developed. Competence to critically examine questions, dilemmas and solutions that theories identify. Competence in scholarly writing and oral communication.

Learning and teaching methods:

Lectures and seminars.

Assessment

60 % Written exam 40 % essays

Obligatory literature

Additional literature