History of Political Doctrines
A.Y. 2019/2020
Learning objectives
The course provides the broad outlines of the history of political doctrines from antiquity to the modernity and the tools necessary to understand the main theoretical aspects of political reflection placed in its peculiar historical context.
Expected learning outcomes
By the end of the course the student will be able to grasp theoretical continuity and conceptual peculiarities in the history of political thought from antiquity to modernity. They will also be able to place the most representative authors and works in their historical contexts and will be able to utilize specific language properties and lexicon appropriate to express, in a clear and effective form, philosophical-political concepts. These skills will be acquired through a direct and continuous meeting with the instructor in the classroom. The discussion around the proposed sources will be an essential moment of critical reflection and methodological learning. Finally, participation in seminars and meetings proposed within the activities of the Department of Historical Studies will be of great importance.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
Title of course: Democracy: history and ideas (60 hours, 9 cfu).
Teaching Unit A (20 hours, 3 cfu): History of political theories (Antiquity and Middle Age).
Teaching Unit B (20 hours, 3 cfu): History of political theories (Modern Era and Contemporary Period).
Teaching Unit C (20 hours, 3 cfu): Democracy and political representation.
After summarizing the principle courses of the history of political thought from Plato to the present day, we will concentrate on the history of democratic ideas and processes in relation to the concept of political representation.
Teaching Unit A (20 hours, 3 cfu): History of political theories (Antiquity and Middle Age).
Teaching Unit B (20 hours, 3 cfu): History of political theories (Modern Era and Contemporary Period).
Teaching Unit C (20 hours, 3 cfu): Democracy and political representation.
After summarizing the principle courses of the history of political thought from Plato to the present day, we will concentrate on the history of democratic ideas and processes in relation to the concept of political representation.
Prerequisites for admission
Must have an adequate knowledge of the timelines of history in the Western world from antiquity to the contemporary era.
Teaching methods
The course is made up of lectures, during which there will be a specific time regularly dedicated to requested comments, observations and questions from students. The professor may use images and/or audio-video material during the lectures. Full participation, even though not compulsory, is strongly advised.
In the first and second semester, the Seminar on the classics of political thought will be carried out at the Foundation Giangiacomo Feltrinelli, with the possibility of the recognition of 3 cfu out of the free credits as 'formative activity'. The two programs, dedicated to "Republic" and "Justice", will be announced a few weeks before the beginning of the encounters.
In the first and second semester, the Seminar on the classics of political thought will be carried out at the Foundation Giangiacomo Feltrinelli, with the possibility of the recognition of 3 cfu out of the free credits as 'formative activity'. The two programs, dedicated to "Republic" and "Justice", will be announced a few weeks before the beginning of the encounters.
Teaching Resources
Exam program for students who attended the lectures (units B and C, for 6 cfu; units A, B e C, for 9 cfu)
Teaching Unit A
P. Butti de Lima, Democrazia. L'invenzione degli antichi e gli usi dei moderni (Le Monnier, 2019), pp. ix-156.
Teaching Unit B
P. Butti de Lima, Democrazia. L'invenzione degli antichi e gli usi dei moderni (Le Monnier, 2019), pp. 157- 355; J. Dunn, Storia delle dottrine politiche (Jaca Book, 2019).
Teaching Unit C
H.F. Pitkin, Il concetto di rappresentanza (Rubbettino, 2017).
Exam program for students who did not attend the lectures (units B and C, for 6 cfu; units A, B e C, for 9 cfu)
Teaching Unit A
P. Butti de Lima, Democrazia. L'invenzione degli antichi e gli usi dei moderni (Le Monnier, 2019), pp. ix-156.
Teaching Unit B
P. Butti de Lima, Democrazia. L'invenzione degli antichi e gli usi dei moderni (Le Monnier, 2019), pp. 157- 355; J. Dunn, Storia delle dottrine politiche (Jaca Book, 2019).
Teaching Unit C
H.F. Pitkin, Il concetto di rappresentanza (Rubbettino, 2017); Condorcet, Piano di Costituzione, 1793. Testi e contesto, a cura di C. Cassina (Giappichelli, 2017); M. Rittinghausen, La legislazione diretta del popolo, o la vera democrazia. Testo e contesti, a cura di F. Proietti (Giappichelli, 2018); G. Miglio, Modello di Costituzione Federale per gli italiani, prefazione di L. Ornaghi, a cura di A. Spallino (Giappichelli, 2017).
Program for Erasmus students
If requested, incoming Erasmus students may take the exam in English with the following bibliography (Units 1 and 2, for 6 Ects; Units 1, 2 and 3, for 9 Ects):
1) B. Haddock, A History of Political Thought. From Antiquity to the Present (Polity, 2008).
2) J. Dunn, The History of Political Theory, in J. Dunn, The History of Political Theory and Other Essays (Cambridge University Press, 1996) - available at the professor's office.
3) H.F. Pitkin, The Concept of Representation (University of California Press, 1967) - available at the professor's office.
Teaching Unit A
P. Butti de Lima, Democrazia. L'invenzione degli antichi e gli usi dei moderni (Le Monnier, 2019), pp. ix-156.
Teaching Unit B
P. Butti de Lima, Democrazia. L'invenzione degli antichi e gli usi dei moderni (Le Monnier, 2019), pp. 157- 355; J. Dunn, Storia delle dottrine politiche (Jaca Book, 2019).
Teaching Unit C
H.F. Pitkin, Il concetto di rappresentanza (Rubbettino, 2017).
Exam program for students who did not attend the lectures (units B and C, for 6 cfu; units A, B e C, for 9 cfu)
Teaching Unit A
P. Butti de Lima, Democrazia. L'invenzione degli antichi e gli usi dei moderni (Le Monnier, 2019), pp. ix-156.
Teaching Unit B
P. Butti de Lima, Democrazia. L'invenzione degli antichi e gli usi dei moderni (Le Monnier, 2019), pp. 157- 355; J. Dunn, Storia delle dottrine politiche (Jaca Book, 2019).
Teaching Unit C
H.F. Pitkin, Il concetto di rappresentanza (Rubbettino, 2017); Condorcet, Piano di Costituzione, 1793. Testi e contesto, a cura di C. Cassina (Giappichelli, 2017); M. Rittinghausen, La legislazione diretta del popolo, o la vera democrazia. Testo e contesti, a cura di F. Proietti (Giappichelli, 2018); G. Miglio, Modello di Costituzione Federale per gli italiani, prefazione di L. Ornaghi, a cura di A. Spallino (Giappichelli, 2017).
Program for Erasmus students
If requested, incoming Erasmus students may take the exam in English with the following bibliography (Units 1 and 2, for 6 Ects; Units 1, 2 and 3, for 9 Ects):
1) B. Haddock, A History of Political Thought. From Antiquity to the Present (Polity, 2008).
2) J. Dunn, The History of Political Theory, in J. Dunn, The History of Political Theory and Other Essays (Cambridge University Press, 1996) - available at the professor's office.
3) H.F. Pitkin, The Concept of Representation (University of California Press, 1967) - available at the professor's office.
Assessment methods and Criteria
Preliminary written text and oral exam: The exam consists of a preliminary written test of a few minutes (in order to assess basic preparedness) and an oral interrogation, during which the professor will formulate a series of questions having to do with testing the level of comprehension concerning the relevant themes and subjects and the student's capacity to express herself/himself. The purpose of the written exam is to evaluate the overall preparation and only takes 5 minutes, being composed of 5 questions, which can be answered with one word, a date or a few sentences. The oral exam lasts 15-20 minutes. Knowledge of the principal characteristics of the history of political thought from antiquity to the present day, the theoretical principles that animate democratic discussion and the difference between various concepts of democracy and political representation will be evaluated. In particular, the capacity of the student to understand theoretical continuity and conceptual particularity in the history of political thought, and more specifically, the historical relationship between democracy and political representation, will be considered.
The program is valid starting from the exam period in December 2019 and, for students who did not attend the lectures, substitutes the one used in the previous academic year.
Incoming international or Erasmus students are invited to make contact with the appointed professor as soon as possible.
The modalities of the exams for students with disabilities and/or ADS must be agreed upon by the professor in accordance with the appropriate office (Ufficio disabili e DSA).
The program is valid starting from the exam period in December 2019 and, for students who did not attend the lectures, substitutes the one used in the previous academic year.
Incoming international or Erasmus students are invited to make contact with the appointed professor as soon as possible.
The modalities of the exams for students with disabilities and/or ADS must be agreed upon by the professor in accordance with the appropriate office (Ufficio disabili e DSA).
Unita' didattica A
SPS/02 - HISTORY OF POLITICAL THOUGHT - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica B
SPS/02 - HISTORY OF POLITICAL THOUGHT - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Unita' didattica C
SPS/02 - HISTORY OF POLITICAL THOUGHT - University credits: 3
Lessons: 20 hours
Professor(s)
Reception:
Office hours will take place both via Teams (Davide Cadeddu) and in person, with appointment: Monday, 4 pm - 7 pm. For an appointment, please send an email.
Teams: Davide Cadeddu | Office: A20 - Department of Historical Studies