The course aims to promote:
1) the acquisition of a basic historical and theoretical knowledge of the history of modern and contemporary political thought;
2) the acquisition of the conceptual and lexical tools necessary for understanding a classical text, contextualising its contents;
3) the promotion of a critical awareness of the major political issues of modernity and the present day
4) the strengthening of communication skills.
No prerequisites are required
The course envisages that the lectures will occasionally be accompanied by oral presentations by the students. This means that students may be asked to give a summary presentation of some classical texts of their choice. For example: In view of the lecture on John Locke, the lecturer may make prior arrangements with one or more students who, on a voluntary basis, are interested in presenting "The Second Treatise on Government". In this way, discussion with and among students will be promoted. The course may also include the use of podcasts and video lectures. Attendance is strongly recommended.
The final examination, which will take place orally, will test the historical and theoretical skills acquired, textual analysis skills, properties of expression, and mastery of the sectorial languages specific to the discipline. Grades are expressed in thirtieths.
Evaluation criteria:
1) Knowledge of the main concepts of the history of political thought.
2) Critical analysis of the primary texts covered by the course, also in relation to the historical and cultural reference panorama.
Intermediate exercises with a purely self-testing function are foreseen.
The course will examine the main issues at the centre of modern and contemporary political thought, focusing on some fundamental concepts (sovereignty, power, consensus, representation, legitimation, etc.) and carefully reviewing the writings of some great classics, from Niccolò Machiavelli to Max Weber. Particular attention will be paid to the analysis of 'natural law' and 'modern contractualism'.
- The communications to students will mostly be by e-mail. Notices and updates will be promptly posted on the teacher's personal page, under the heading "Information for students". All students are therefore required to periodically consult the teacher's personal page and to download any materials that may be uploaded there.
- The course syllabus is valid for both attending and non-attending students. Non-attending students will be asked to contact promptly the teacher in order to make arrangements for an "ad hoc" programme. In any case, further information will be provided at the beginning of classes..
- Erasmus students, as well as students with PDP or PEI, are invited to contact the teacher at the beginning of the course.
