Minor in Political Theory
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US Credits
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UK Credits
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| TWO of the following: |
6 |
24 |
- PLT 3101 Political Ideologies
Introduces students to the study of politics by defining, exploring, and evaluating the basic concepts of politics through the analysis of modern and contemporary ideologies. It outlines some of the central issues in the study of politics such as the role of ideologies in politics, the nature of the political itself; power and authority in the state; political obligation; the rights and duties of the citizen; liberty and equality; economic systems and modes of production through the scope of central political ideologies such as liberalism, Marxism, socialism, anarchism, conservatism, feminism, populism, and environmentalism.
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3 |
12 |
- INR 4100 Introduction to International Relations
This course is a broad introductory survey of international relations. It acquaints students with the fundamental concepts and theories used in the discipline that help us make sense of our political world, and are crucial for further analysis of the field. The course gives students a taste of the theoretical debates and practical dynamics of global politics. It further examines some of the major challenges that humanity faces in the 21st century. Students get a chance to learn about and take part in the major debates of the discipline, for example concerning actors in the international system, the sources of insecurity, the relevance of economics to international politics, the importance of fighting poverty and underdevelopment, questions about how best to address environmental challenges, whether the state is still important and if globalization is a phenomena of the 20th century.
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3 |
12 |
- INR 4101 Modern Political Thought
This course addresses some of the most pressing contemporary challenges in global politics. It begins by examining major changes and trends in the actors, dynamics, motivations and interests that dominate international politics in the 21st century, and the unique impact of globalization and other contemporary global dynamics on these changes. Questions are asked about what the key issues in the contemporary study of International Relations should be in light of approaches to IR. In response, we consider the proliferation and impact of non-state actors, from global civil society, to terrorist organizations, to for-profit corporations, to Private Military and Security Companies (PMSCs). We explore a range of global challenges, from transnational terrorism to migration, climate change and pandemics, disinformation and cyber-attacks and Weapons of Mass Destruction, and learn about the various responses of states and institutions, and their shortcomings.
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3 |
12 |
| plus FOUR of the following: |
Minimum of 12 |
Minimum of 48 |
- PLT 5101 Capitalism and its Critics
This course examines the historical development of thought about capitalism. Liberal, mercantilist and radical political economy in the 18th and 19th centuries is covered, along with a range of 20th Century scholars, such as Adam Smith, Karl Marx, J.M. Keynes and Joseph Schumpeter. The object of study in the course is theories of capitalism, and addressed themes include the nature of market society, the relationship between state and market, economic growth and economic crises, market failure and government failure. These themes enable the course to engage with the relations between capitalism and other systems such as democracy, fascism, communism, racism, anti-Semitism, slavery and patriarchy.
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3 |
12 |
- PLT 5102 Democracy and its Enemies
This course analyses the rise of democracy as an idea and as a practice using both theoretical and historical approaches, and processes of democratization in both theoretical and empirical terms. The course aims to provide an introduction to the central models of democracy (namely classical democracy, republicanism, liberal democracy, deliberative democracy and cosmopolitan democracy). Students are then enabled to analyse problems associated with the practice of liberal democracy, namely political engagement, the advent of post-democracy and the rise of populism. Finally, the course examines the practices of democracy and experiences with democratization in Europe, Latin America, Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
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3 |
12 |
- INR 5104 Globalization and Anti-Globalization
This interdisciplinary course addresses the vitally important and complex phenomenon of contemporary globalization, and the ongoing backlash against it from both left (counter-globalization or alt-globalization) and right (anti-globalization). The concept of globalization and the history of this phenomenon are interrogated. Political, social, economic and cultural aspects of globalization are discussed, and core themes of globalization debates are addressed, such as convergence, nationalism, and inequality. A range of global actors, agents and institutions are critically engaged with.
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3 |
12 |
- INR 6101 International Relations Theory
The theories of international relations (IR) are best introduced through a study of the classic texts and debates in the discipline. This course examines most of the theories and approaches to international politics, as well as their historic foundations. It begins with some philosophical debates regarding the purpose of theorising, the importance of understanding ontological and epistemological assumptions and the difference between 鈥榰nderstanding鈥 and 鈥榚xplaining鈥 in international relations theory. The course then critically evaluates the grand and middle range theories of IR, followed by a multitude of multidisciplinary approaches to conceptualising global politics and the post-positivist critiques. The course provides students with a set of conceptual and analytical tools in order to acquire a deeper and more nuanced understanding of international relations and global politics.
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4 |
16 |
- PLT 6101 Contemporary Political Theory
Investigates the central debates and concepts of 20th and 21st century political theory. Through a close examination of key texts representative of the spectrum of contemporary ideological positions, students will become familiar with a variety of key arguments around political concepts such as equality, freedom, democracy and justice. Students will become familiar with central ideas that have shaped political activity in the 20th and 21st centuries and will become familiar key issues discussed in contemporary political theory.
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4 |
16 |
- PLT 6103 Political Sociology: Power, State, Society
At the heart of political sociology is a concern with the relationship between the state and society, a relationship that, as citizens, affects us all. This course explores the link between the people and the state in three interrelated respects: the concept of power, the theory and practice of revolution and the way politics affects the social fabric of daily life in technologically advanced, multi-media societies. In addition, a discussion takes place regarding the global significance of political and social change.
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4 |
16 |
| Minor Requirements |
18 |
72 |
