This learning unit is not open to incoming exchange students!
Teacher(s)
Language
English
Main themes
In relationship with recent developments in political philosophy, the course may focus on some of the following themes:
-In depth reading of one or two classics, from two different periods in history (e.g. Locke's Two Treatises or Hobbes's Leviathan and Manin's Principles of Representative Government or Kymlicka's Multicultural Citizenship)
-The very idea of contractualism and contractarianism
-The notion of liberalism
-The notion of multiculturalism
-Some contemporary questions in the theory of democracy (e.g. the boundary problem or the value of transparency)
-'
-In depth reading of one or two classics, from two different periods in history (e.g. Locke's Two Treatises or Hobbes's Leviathan and Manin's Principles of Representative Government or Kymlicka's Multicultural Citizenship)
-The very idea of contractualism and contractarianism
-The notion of liberalism
-The notion of multiculturalism
-Some contemporary questions in the theory of democracy (e.g. the boundary problem or the value of transparency)
-'
Learning outcomes
At the end of this learning unit, the student is able to : | |
| 1 |
At the end of the course, students will: -know the work of some of the main authors in the history of political thought (Locke, Hobbes, Rousseau, Mill, Hume, Condorcet, Marx,') and trace their legacy into current debates -have developed the skills of reading the work of an author while being both able to locate it in a school of thought and to interpret it in view of the whole work in which it is located -develop the analytical skill of being able to understand the various ways of understanding concepts such as representation, citizenship, deliberation,' and the way in which they combine into a theory of democracy -have a sense of the main contemporaries in the theory of democracy and the way in which normative theories of democracy combine with theories of justice |
Content
The course "Political Thought" (taught in English) aims to provide first-year students with a synoptic overview of the major traditions of political thought over the past two centuries and of the ways in which they shape contemporary debates on issues that are central to public discussion.
The first part of the course (Prof. Jacob Schmutz) will introduce three major intellectual traditions that have shaped contemporary politics in Europe: (1) liberalism; (2) conservatism; and (3) socialism. Each lecture will also examine how these traditions have been expressed in the history of Belgian politics.
The second part of the course (Prof. Yannick Vanderborght) will address three topics that regularly feature in political and societal debate and will explore how political thought can help us tackle them in a critical and nuanced manner. In the 2026-2027 academic year, these three topics will be: freedom of expression; social protection; and migration.
The first part of the course (Prof. Jacob Schmutz) will introduce three major intellectual traditions that have shaped contemporary politics in Europe: (1) liberalism; (2) conservatism; and (3) socialism. Each lecture will also examine how these traditions have been expressed in the history of Belgian politics.
The second part of the course (Prof. Yannick Vanderborght) will address three topics that regularly feature in political and societal debate and will explore how political thought can help us tackle them in a critical and nuanced manner. In the 2026-2027 academic year, these three topics will be: freedom of expression; social protection; and migration.
Teaching methods
The lecture course consists of presentations delivered by the professors, supported by PowerPoint slides. Regular and active participation by students is essential. In addition, mandatory and recommended readings are provided, and students are expected to familiarize themselves with them before the corresponding class session.
Evaluation methods
Assessment is based on a written examination (in English) designed to evaluate students’ knowledge and understanding of the schools of thought, texts, and contemporary debates presented during the course, as well as their capacity for independent critical reflection.
Answers to the examination questions must be written in English; no other language may be used.
Answers to the examination questions must be written in English; no other language may be used.
Online resources
- Brief outlines of the lectures
- PowerPoint slides presented during class
- Portfolio of mandatory (and recommended) readings
All course materials are protected by copyright. Their distribution without the explicit permission of the professors may constitute an infringement of their intellectual property rights and may result in legal action being taken.
Practical information and course materials are distributed through Moodle, which students are encouraged to check on a regular basis.
- PowerPoint slides presented during class
- Portfolio of mandatory (and recommended) readings
All course materials are protected by copyright. Their distribution without the explicit permission of the professors may constitute an infringement of their intellectual property rights and may result in legal action being taken.
Practical information and course materials are distributed through Moodle, which students are encouraged to check on a regular basis.
Bibliography
Portfolio of mandatory (and recommended) readings available on Moodle
Teaching materials
- Outline and brief summaries + excerpts from authors.
Faculty or entity
