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: 2025-09-26
Established by: School of Business, Economics and IT
Applies from: H26
Learning outcomes
On completion of the course the student will be able to:
Knowledge and understanding
- define politics, political science and its relationship with 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 contemporary debates in politics. Including how various perspectives and ideologies treat core issues in politics and are reflected in everyday practices and norms.
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 debates, policies and institutions
- formulate basic theoretical arguments to support political positions and interpretations.
Entry requirements
General entry requirements
You also need: English 6, 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 debates, policies 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 social science in general and political science in particular, including 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 (Western) political philosophie's key thinkers, texts, concepts, debates, and periods. The course is historically and thematically structured and concentrates on central concepts within political philosophy. The different theoretical approaches are applied to contemporary political cases.
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.
Generella regler för examination vid Högskolan Väst finns på www.hv.se.
Om den studerande har ett beslut/rekommendation om särskilt pedagogiskt stöd på grund av funktionsnedsättning har examinator rätt att examinera den studerande i en anpassad examinationsform.
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.
Course Overlap
IPI100, ISV200+PFA110
Cycle
First cycle
Progressive specialization
G1N - First cycle, has only upper-secondary level entry requirements
Main field of study
Political Science