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)
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-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” aims at providing first year students with a roadmap of the major traditions of European political thinking of the two last centuries and how they shape today’s debates on important topics such as political representation, the nation, ecology and gender issues.
The first part of the course (Prof. Jacob Schmutz) will present six classical traditions that have shaped contemporary politics in Europe: (1) Liberalism; (2) Conservatism; (3) Socialism; (4) Anarchism; (5) Fascism; (6) Islamism. An emphasis will be put on the way these traditions were expressed in Belgian political history.
The second part of the course (Dr. Nicolas Arens) will present six important topics of contemporary political debate: (1) Representation, vote and alternatives; (2) Equality and redistribution, the basic income; (3) Nationalism vs. cosmopolitanism; (4) European integration vs. populism and democratic backsliding; (5) Ecology : climate justice; (6) Gender: feminism and intersectionality.
The first part of the course (Prof. Jacob Schmutz) will present six classical traditions that have shaped contemporary politics in Europe: (1) Liberalism; (2) Conservatism; (3) Socialism; (4) Anarchism; (5) Fascism; (6) Islamism. An emphasis will be put on the way these traditions were expressed in Belgian political history.
The second part of the course (Dr. Nicolas Arens) will present six important topics of contemporary political debate: (1) Representation, vote and alternatives; (2) Equality and redistribution, the basic income; (3) Nationalism vs. cosmopolitanism; (4) European integration vs. populism and democratic backsliding; (5) Ecology : climate justice; (6) Gender: feminism and intersectionality.
Teaching methods
Mostly presentations by the teachers. The active participation of students in class is important. Consequently, regular attendance is essential. A set of required and recommended readings will be provided, and handouts will be distributed.
Evaluation methods
The assessment will be based on a written examination (in English) that aims to assess the knowledge and understanding of the currents of thought, texts and debates presented in class, and the students' capacity to engage in personal reflection on the issues discussed in class. If the public health measures require it, the adoption of a different formula is possible.
Online resources
Brief summaries of the lectures will be provided to the students, as well as required and recommended readings.
Bibliography
Brief excerpts by various authors on Moodle.
Teaching materials
- Outline and brief summaries + excerpts from authors.
Faculty or entity
