History of Political Theories
A.Y. 2023/2024
Learning objectives
As part of the interdisciplinary program of the Three-Year Degree, the teaching of History of Political Theories is designed to examine the reflections and the ideas of the major Western thinkers on politics. In particular, we'll focus on the classical roots of political thought (Plato, Aristotle, stoicism) and the birth of the modernstate in the writings of its main theorists (Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke). A particular analysis will also be dedicated to the main political traditions: liberalism, democracy and socialism.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge and understanding: at the end of the teaching the student will have learned the main concepts of the history of political theories and the most influential authors in Western culture.
Applying knowledge and understanding: the acquired knowledge will enable the student to understand the concepts and the key terms of the contemporary political debate and to place the current problems within a broad theoretical framework.
Applying knowledge and understanding: the acquired knowledge will enable the student to understand the concepts and the key terms of the contemporary political debate and to place the current problems within a broad theoretical framework.
Lesson period: First trimester
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
Lesson period
First trimester
Course syllabus
The course in History of Political Theories will examine the ideas of the major political thinkers in the history of the West on how to organize a political community. It will start by exploring the ancient roots of modern political reflections - particularly Plato, Aristotle. The focus of the course will be on the emergence of the modern state, as interpreted by authors such as Machiavelli, Hobbes, and Locke. The major developments of the great political philosophies of the West - liberalism, democracy, socialism - will also be examined as well as the political ideas of several thinkers. A particular attention will be devoted to the development of liberalism, beginning with John Locke and David Hume.
Prerequisites for admission
Working knowledge of the English language
Teaching methods
The course is structured through a series of lectures, the aim of which is to present the most relevant authors and themes in the history of political thought. Particular attention is paid to the historical context in which works and authors are to be situated.
Teaching Resources
The teaching material will be uploaded on the ARIEL website and will consist of a series of documents (taken from some of the major works in the history of modern Western political thought) together with some historical-biographical profiles. The slides used by the lecturer in class will also be made available to the students.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The information acquired will be tested by means of an oral examination. Attending students may take a preliminary written test.
SPS/02 - HISTORY OF POLITICAL THOUGHT - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Mingardi Alberto
Educational website(s)