Course Catalogue

Political Ideas that Changed the World POLITIC4186

  • Academic Session: 2026-27
  • School: School of Social and Political Sciences
  • Credits: 20
  • Level: Level 4 (SCQF level 10)
  • Typically Offered: Either Semester 1 or Semester 2
  • Available to Visiting Students: Yes
  • Collaborative Online International Learning: No
  • Curriculum For Life: No

Short Description

This course engages students through close readings of a range of texts in the History of Political Thought, by placing these texts in their historical contexts, critically analysing their concepts, evaluating their arguments, tracing their inter-connections in later texts and contexts, and thus acquiring an in-depth understanding of how politics and political thought have developed and changed over time. Students will also critically assess competing scholarly interpretations of these texts by reading contemporary academic literature in the History of Political Thought.

Timetable

Lecture: 1 hour per week x 10 weeks

Tutorial: 1 hour per week x 10 weeks

Requirements of Entry

Entry to Honours Politics or International Relations requires a grade point average of 12 (Grade C) over Politics 2A and Politics 2B as a first attempt.

Excluded Courses

None

Co-requisites

None

Assessment

· Reflective journal, 2000 words (40%)

· Essay, 2500 words (50%)

· Seminar Participation (10%)

Course Aims

The aim of this course is to deepen students' knowledge and understanding of the history of political thought, following their introduction to it in year two of the PIR degree. It provides an opportunity for students to consider carefully some historical, political, and intellectual milieux which are in many ways very different from our own, yet witnessed the development of various practices, theories, institutions and values which continue to shape our politics today. It also provides an opportunity for students to reflect upon the paths taken and the paths not taken as politics and political thought have proceeded and changed over time..

Intended Learning Outcomes of Course

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the historical and philosophical methods used in the History of Political Thought

■ Interpret and critically evaluate a range of historical texts in political thought in accordance with these methods

■ Critically analyse, compare, and appraise the use of specific concepts and arguments which appear in different historical texts over time

■ Critically assess contemporary and competing scholarly interpretations of these historical texts.

Minimum Requirement for Award of Credits

No exceptions