Introduction to Western Political Thought

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Free Online Course: Introduction to Western Political Thought provided by Swayam is a comprehensive online course, which lasts for 12 weeks long. The course is taught in English and is free of charge. Upon completion of the course, you can receive an e-certificate from Swayam. Introduction to Western Political Thought is taught by Prof. Mithilesh Kumar Jha.

Overview
  • One of the major objectives of this course is to introduce the students to the key debates and ideas in Western political thought. It is hoped that familiarity with the ideas or concepts of some major western political thinkers will help the students to understand different perspectives and approaches to state, politics, government, sovereignty, citizenship and so on. It is also hoped that this course will enable the student to make sense of and interpret the major developments and key debates in the political debates and discussions in any contemporary society and polity. INTENDED AUDIENCE :UG and PG students of Humanities and Social Sciences, Sciences, and EngineeringPREREQUISITES : NoneINDUSTRIES SUPPORT :Not Applicable

Syllabus
  • Week 1:Introduction: General Outline and Method; Text and ContextWeek 2:Plato: Justice; Philosopher king; Communism; StateWeek 3:Aristotle: Politics, VirtueWeek 4:Aristotle: State; Citizenship & Machiavelli: VirtuWeek 5:Machiavelli: Religion and RepublicanismWeek 6:Hobbes: Human Nature; Political Obligation; SovereigntyWeek 7:Locke: Natural Rights; Limited government, DissentWeek 8:Rousseau: Social Contract; General WillWeek 9:Kant: Enlightenment; Morality, autonomy and freedomWeek 10:Hegel: Freedom; Rights; StateWeek 11:Marx: Historical Materialism; State; ClassWeek 12:Mill: Utilitarianism and on Liberty