BERGAMO
Overview
Date/time interval
Syllabus
Course Objectives
The workshop is designed to enable students to:
1) develop a sound historical and theoretical understanding of the evolution of modern and contemporary
political thought;
2) acquire the conceptual vocabulary and analytical tools required to read, interpret, and contextualize
classic texts in the history of political thought;
3) develop a critical awareness of the major political questions and debates that have shaped modern and
contemporary political life;
4) enhance their ability to communicate ideas and arguments effectively, both orally and in writing.
Course Prerequisites
Given its introductory nature, the laboratory does not require any specific prerequisites. Nevertheless, a basic grounding in the History of Political Thought is recommended.
Teaching Methods
The workshop will combine lectures delivered by the instructor with oral presentations by students. During the lectures, the instructor will introduce students to the analysis of classical texts through the close reading and discussion of selected passages of particular significance. Students will also be invited to give brief presentations on selected classical works. For example, the instructor may arrange in advance with one or more students interested in presenting and discussing Machiavelli’s The Prince. Through this approach, and under the guidance of the instructor, discussion among and with students will be actively encouraged. The laboratory may also make use of podcasts and recorded video lectures as supplementary teaching materials. In addition, the instructor may require each participant to prepare a short final written assignment.
Regular attendance is strongly recommended.
Assessment Methods
The workshop does not include a final examination. In order to obtain course completion (pass/fail assessment), students are required to attend at least 80% of the scheduled sessions (20 out of 24 hours). Students who are unable to attend the workshop due to serious and duly justified reasons must inform the instructors in advance and make alternative arrangements with them. Such arrangements may include, for example, the preparation of a written assignment or the successful completion of a test.
Contents
The workshop will explore the principal themes and problems of modern and contemporary political thought, through the critical reading, analytical presentation, and seminar discussion of selected works by major political thinkers, from Niccolò Machiavelli to Max Weber. Particular attention will be devoted to the analysis of modern political rationalism in its various forms, including political realism, theories of sovereignty, contractualism and natural law theory, utopian thought, and monarchomachism.
Online Resources
More information
Regular attendance is strongly recommended. Students who are unable to attend regularly are kindly requested to contact the instructors in advance in order to agree upon an appropriate programme of study. Most communications from the instructors to laboratory participants will be conducted via email. Erasmus students, as well as students with certified learning accommodations or special educational needs, are invited to contact the instructors at the beginning of the course. For any other matters, students may arrange an appointment with the instructor by contacting him in advance via email. For the acquisition of the basic knowledge required in the History of Political Thought, students are advised to consult a good introductory textbook, which may be recommended by the instructor at the beginning of the course.