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POL215Social Sciences Unitsintermediate

History Of Political Thought 1

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the history of political thought. It explores the contributions of major political philosophers from classical antiquity to contemporary times, examining their ideas on the state, governance, justice, and individual rights. The course aims to foster critical thinking about the nature and evolution of political ideas and their impact on contemporary political systems.

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208h
Study Time
13
Weeks
16h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
Political ThoughtPolitical TheoryStateGovernancePhilosophers

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Political Thought

2

Political Theory

3

Classical Political Thinkers

4

Empirical Political Thinkers

5

Origin of the State

6

Social Contract Theory

Total Topics6 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Tutor-Marked Assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Final Examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Political Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Policy Advisor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Public Administrator

Apply your skills in this growing field

Journalist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Educator

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

GovernmentNon-profit OrganizationsEducationMediaResearch

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Origin and Focus of Political Thought and Related Concepts

8h

Unit 1: Political Thought

8 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Understanding the definition, origin, and focus of political thought.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 1.
  • •Identify key concepts related to politics, state, law, rights, and justice.
Week
2

Module 1: Origin and Focus of Political Thought and Related Concepts

8h

Unit 2: Concept of Political Theory

8 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Explore the concept of political theory and its significance.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 2.
  • •Reflect on the evolution, nature, and purpose of governmental apparatus.
Week
3

Module 1: Origin and Focus of Political Thought and Related Concepts

8h

Unit 3: Distinction between Political Theory and Political Thought, Political Philosophy and Political Science

8 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Analyze the distinction between political theory, political thought, political philosophy, and political science.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 3.
  • •Differentiate between normative and empirical approaches to political study.
Week
4

Module 1: Origin and Focus of Political Thought and Related Concepts

8h

Unit 4: Major Schools of Thoughts on Political Theory

8 study hours
  • •Read Unit 4: Study the major schools of thought on political theory.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 4.
  • •Identify key thinkers and their contributions to each school of thought.
Week
5

Module 1: Origin and Focus of Political Thought and Related Concepts

8h

Unit 5: Origin of the State

8 study hours
  • •Read Unit 5: Examine the origin of the state and its purpose.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 5.
  • •Explore theories related to the origin of the state.
Week
6

Module 2: Classical Political Thinkers

8h

Unit 1: The Life of Socrates (469 399 BC)

8 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Study the life of Socrates and his teachings.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 1.
  • •Analyze Socrates' views on law and the state.
Week
7

Module 2: Classical Political Thinkers

8h

Unit 2: Plato (427-347 BC)

8 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Explore Plato's life and times.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 2.
  • •Examine Plato's ideal state and best form of government.
Week
8

Module 2: Classical Political Thinkers

8h

Unit 3: Aristotle Philosophy (322 384BC)

8 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Study Aristotle's philosophy and his view of politics.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 3.
  • •Analyze Aristotle's theory of constitutions and citizenship.
Week
9

Module 2: Classical Political Thinkers

8h

Unit 4: Marcus Tullius Cicero (43 106 Bc)

8 study hours
  • •Read Unit 4: Explore Marcus Tullius Cicero's life and work.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 4.
  • •Examine Cicero's contribution to the concept of law and the state.
Week
10

Module 2: Classical Political Thinkers

8h

Unit 5: Baron De Montesquieu (1689-1755)

8 study hours
  • •Read Unit 5: Study Baron De Montesquieu's ideas on separation of power.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 5.
  • •Relate Montesquieu's work to the working of democracy in modern times.
Week
11

Module 3: The Empirical Political Thinkers

8h

Unit 1: John Locke

8 study hours
  • •Read Unit 1: Study the biography of John Locke and his political philosophy.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 1.
  • •Examine Locke's concept of human and state of nature.
Week
12

Module 3: The Empirical Political Thinkers

8h

Unit 2: Thomas Hobbes

8 study hours
  • •Read Unit 2: Study the biography of Thomas Hobbes and his political philosophy.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 2.
  • •Examine Hobbes' state of nature and nature of man.
Week
13

Module 3: The Empirical Political Thinkers

8h

Unit 3: Jeremy Bentham

8 study hours
  • •Read Unit 3: Study the biography of Jeremy Bentham and his analysis of human nature.
  • •Complete Self-Assessment Exercise 3.
  • •Examine Bentham's moral and political philosophy.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create timelines of key philosophers and their ideas

2

Compare and contrast different schools of political thought

3

Practice essay questions on major themes

4

Review all self-assessment exercises

5

Focus on understanding the historical context of each philosopher's work

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