This translation is for information purposes only. In the event of discrepancies, the Swedish-language version takes precedence.

Introduction to Political Thought, 15 Credits

Introduktion till politiska idéer, 15 Högskolepoäng

Established: 2025-03-13

Established by: School of Business, Economics and IT

Applies from: H25

Learning outcomes

On completion of the course the student will be able to:

Knowledge and understanding

• define politics, political science and its relationship with economics, philosophy and cognate disciplines
• describe important ideas in primarily Western political philosophy including its most central questions and a selection of key thinkers and texts
• identify the theoretical underpinnings of core issues in politics and economics. Including how various perspectives and ideologies (e.g. liberalism, communitarianism, conservativism) treat core issues in politics and are reflected in everyday practices and norms, as for example party politics or regime types

Skills and abilities

• summarise complex philosophical arguments
• compare and constrast complex philosophical arguments
• present these summaries and comparisons in written academic form, and in oral academic presentations and discussions

Judgement and approach

• identify the structure and normative foundations of political actions, policies and institutions
• formulate basic theoretical arguments to support political, and political economic positions and interpretations.

Entry requirements

General entry requirements

You also need: English 6, Mathematics 2a or Mathematics 2b or Mathematics 2c, Social Studies 1b or Social Studies 1a1 +1a2

The forms of assessment of student performance

The course examination includes take-home assignments and active participation in seminars. Both forms test the capacity of students to summarise, compare, and contrast complex philosophical arguments, and to demonstrate these skills in written and oral form. In addition, the final examination requires them to develop their own assessment of these arguments, and to apply them to contemporary political actions, politics and institutions.

A student who does not fully meet the learning outcomes of a non-supervised examination but is close to the grade “pass” can, after a decision by the examiner, be allowed to complement an examination assignment in order to reach the criteria for a pass. For supervised examination complementing is not allowed. Complementing of an examination must be individually adapted based on the learning outcomes or objectives that were not achieved by a student. It must take place within two weeks after informing the student of the examination result and before the next examination opportunity.

Course contents

The course consists of an introduction to the broader focus of the international program in politics and economics, social science in general, and the art of academic writing. Emphasis is placed on the concept of politics and political science as a science in order to then deal with a sub-field of political science, namely political philosophy. In political philosophy, theories are developed around the value issues of politics, ultimately the question of how the political system should best be designed. The course focuses on some of the canon's key thinkers, texts, concepts, debates, and periods. The course is historically and thematically structured and concentrates on central concepts within political philosophy. The various theoretical approaches are therefore applied in the fall from the political reality.

Other regulations

Course grading: F/Fx/E/D/C/B/A - Insufficient, Insufficient- more work required before the credit can be awarded, Sufficient, Satisfactory, Good, Very Good, Excellent

Course language: The teaching is conducted in English.

General rules pertaining to examination at University West are available at www.hv.se.

If the student has a decision/recommendation on special support due to disability, the examiner has the right to examine the student in a customized examination form.

Cycle

First cycle

Progressive specialization

G1N - First cycle, has only upper-secondary level entry requirements

Main field of study

Political Science