POL HG 1016 Introduction to Political Theory

Course Name: POL HG 1016 Introduction to Political Theory

About the Course:

Course Objective:

This course aims to introduce certain key aspects of conceptual analysis in political theory and the skills required to engage in debates surrounding the application of the concepts.

Course Outcome:

• To introduce the key concepts in political theory

• To make students understand the aspects of conceptual analysis

• To engage the students in the application of concepts and their limitation

Course Plan: POL HG 1016 Introduction to Political Theory

Session Plan:

Unit: 1. a. What is Politics? (11 lectures)

b. What is Political Theory and what is its relevance?

Unit: 2. Concepts: (36 lectures)

Democracy, Liberty, Equality, Justice, Rights, Gender, Citizenship, Civil Society and State

3. Debates in Political Theory: (13 lectures)

a. Is democracy compatible with economic growth?

b. On what grounds is censorship justified and what are its limits?

c. Does protective discrimination violate principles of fairness?

d. Should the State intervene in the institution of the family?

Essential Readings:

Topic 1

• Bhargava, R. (2008) ‘What is Political Theory’, in Bhargava, R. and Acharya, A. (eds.) Political Theory: An Introduction.New Delhi: Pearson Longman, pp. 2‐17.

• Bhargava, R. (2008) ‘Why Do We Need Political Theory’, in Bhargava, R. and Acharya, A. (eds.) Political Theory: An Introduction. New Delhi: Pearson Longman, pp. 18‐37.

• Mukhopadhyay, Amal Kumar. (2019) ' An Introduction to Political Theory', New Delhi, Sage publications

Topic 2

• Sriranjani, V. (2008) ‘Liberty’, in Bhargava, R. and Acharya, A. (eds.) Political Theory: An Introduction.New Delhi: Pearson Longman, pp. 40‐57.

• Acharya, A. (2008) ‘Equality’, in Bhargava, R. and Acharya, A. (eds.) Political Theory: An Introduction.New Delhi: Pearson Longman, pp. 58‐73.

• Menon, K. (2008) Justice’, in Bhargava, R. and Acharya, A. (eds.) Political Theory: An Introduction. New Delhi: Pearson Longman, pp. 74‐82.

• Talukdar, P.S. (2008) ‘Rights’, in Bhargava, R. and Acharya, A. (eds.) Political Theory: An Introduction.New Delhi: Pearson Longman, pp. 88‐105.

• Srinivasan, J. (2008) ‘Democracy’, in Bhargava, R. and Acharya, A. (eds.) Political 109 Theory: An Introduction.New Delhi: Pearson Longman, pp. 106‐128.

• Roy, A. ‘Citizenship’, in Bhargava, R. and Acharya, A. (eds.) Political Theory:AnIntroduction. New Delhi: Pearson Longman, pp. 130‐147.

• Das, S. (2008) ‘State’, in Bhargava, R. and Acharya, A. (eds.) Political Theory: An Introduction. New Delhi:Pearson Longman, pp. 170‐187

• Singh, M. (2008) ‘Civil Society’, in Bhargava, R. and Acharya, A. (eds.) Political Theory: An Introduction.New Delhi: Pearson Longman, pp. 188‐205.

• Menon, N. (2008) ‘Gender’, in Bhargava, R. and Acharya, A. (eds.) Political Theory: An Introduction. New Delhi: Pearson Longman, pp. 224‐235.

• Shorten, A. (2008) ‘Nation and State’, in McKinnon, C. (ed.) Issues in Political Theory, New York: OxfordUniversity Press, pp. 33‐55.

• Christiano, Thomas. (2008) ‘Democracy’, in McKinnon, Catriona. (ed.) Issues in Political Theory, New York: Oxford University Press, pp. 80‐96.

• Riley, J. (2008) ‘Liberty’, in McKinnon, C. (ed.) Issues in Political Theory, New York: Oxford University Press, pp. 103‐125.

• Casal, P. & William, A. (2008) ‘Equality’, in McKinnon, C. (ed.) Issues in Political Theory. New York: Oxford University Press, pp. 149‐ 165.

• Wolf, J. (2008) ‘Social Justice’, in McKinnon, C. (ed.) Issues in Political Theory. New York: Oxford University Press, pp. 172‐193.

• Brighouse, H. (2008) ‘Citizenship’, in McKinnon, C. (ed.) Issues in Political Theory. New York: Oxford University Press, pp. 241‐259.

• Chambers, C. (2008) ‘Gender’, in McKinnon, C. (ed.) Issues in Political Theory. New York: Oxford University Press, pp. 241‐288.

• Swift, A. (2001) Political Philosophy: A Beginners Guide for Students and Politicians. Cambridge: Polity Press.

Topic 3

• Sen, A. (2003) ‘Freedom Favours Development,’ in Dahl, R., Shapiro, I. and Cheibub, A. J. (eds.) TheDemocracy Sourcebook. Cambridge, Massachusetts: MIT Press, pp. 444‐446. 10

• Prezowrski, A., et al. (2003) ‘Political Regimes and Economic Growth,’ in Dahl, R., Shapiro, I. and Cheibub, A. J. (eds.) The Democracy Sourcebook. Cambridge, Massachusetts: MIT Press, pp. 447‐454.

• Sethi, A. (2008) ‘Freedom of Speech and the Question of Censorship’, in Bhargava, R. and Acharya, A. (eds.) Political Theory: An Introduction. New Delhi: Pearson Longman, pp. 308‐319.

• Acharya, A. (2008) ‘Affirmative Action’, in Bhargava, R. and Acharya, A. (eds.) Political Theory: An Introduction. New Delhi: Pearson Longman, pp. 298‐307.

• Frances E O. (1985) ‘The Myth of State Intervention in the Family’, University of Michigan Journal of Law Reform.18 (4)pp. 835‐64.

• Jha, M. (2001) ‘Ramabai: Gender and Caste’, in Singh, M.P. and Roy, H. (eds.) Indian Political Thought: Themes and Thinkers, New Delhi: Pearson