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Identical coursesPolitical Philosophy (B-KUL-W0W27A)
Cannot be taken as part of an examination contractAims
At the end of the course students should have:
- a genuine understanding of central debates in the history of political philosophy;
- a genuine understanding of central debates in contemporary political philosophy.
The course also adds to students' development of philosophical skills:
- rigorous engagement with philosophical debates, arguments and themes;
- sustained articulation of ideas and arguments, in class discussions and through a written essay;
- oral skills, through a presentation of the critical evaluation of an argument in political philosophy;
- written comprehension, elucidation and application skills, during the written exam and one short paper.
Previous knowledge
No specific prior knowledge is needed.
Identical courses
This course is identical to the following courses:
W0EP8A : Political Philosophy (No longer offered this academic year)
W0EP2A : Political Philosophy (No longer offered this academic year)
Is included in these courses of study
- Bachelor of Philosophy (Abridged Programme of 63 ECTS) (Leuven) 63 ects.
- Bachelor of Philosophy (Leuven) 180 ects.
- Bachelor of Philosophy (Abridged Programme of 102 ECTS) (Leuven) 102 ects.
- Postgraduaat in de toegepaste ethiek (Leuven) (Track economie) 35 ects.
- Postgraduaat in de toegepaste ethiek (Leuven) (Track politiek en recht) 35 ects.
- Courses for Exchange Students Institute of Philosophy (Leuven)
Activities
6 ects. Political Philosophy (B-KUL-W0W27a)
Content
This course introduces students to political philosophy. The first part of the lectures is an introduction to the canonical history of modern political philosophy. In the second part, an overview is presented of contemporary political theory.
The seminar will work as a complement to the lectures. In 2024-2025, the seminar will be taught by Mario Cunningham.
Course material
A handbook and a reader will be made available.
Format: more information
The course is characterized by a tight relationship between lectures and seminar formats. We discuss the general theory in class and then later in the week read and discuss particular authors.
Students write a small paper of about 2000 words on this reading or position, which counts as one question on the exam.
Is also included in other courses
Evaluation
Evaluation: Political Philosophy (B-KUL-W2W27a)
Explanation
The written exam takes 3 hours and consists of essay questions that focus on material discussed in class or in suggested literature. The exam is closed book. Students are also expected to bring two home-prepared 1000 words assignment to the exam, which each count as one question on the exam. Students who do not bring their assignment to the exam can still fill out the rest of the exam but get a 0 grade for the assignment part of the exam grade.
Information about retaking exams
Students who retake an exam always also need to bring their assignment again to the exam.