BA(PROG) WITH POLITICAL SCIENCE AS MINOR
Category-III
DISCIPLINE SPECIFICCORE COURSE (DSC-1): Introduction to Political
Theory
CREDIT DISTRIBUTION, ELIGIBILITY AND PRE-REQUISITES OF THE
COURSE
Course title & Credits Credit distribution of thecourse Eligibility Pre-requisite
Code Lecture Tutorial Practical/ criteria of the course
Practice (if any)
Introduction 4 3 12" Pass NA
to Political
Theory
MDSC 1A
Learning Objectives
This course seeks to understand the unexamined explanation of what is political. It
investigates various concepts like liberty, equality, justice that build the foundation of
political theory. The core aim of the paper is to inculcate students to normatively and
critically analyze the political arguments and debates. The course therefore develops
understanding of the nature and significance of political theory through various perspectives
and conceptual analysis.
Learning outcomes
After completing this course students will be able to:
Understand the nature,scope and relevance of political theory
Understand the different concepts of political theory such as liberty, equality justice,
rights and fraternity
• Develop a broader historical, normative and empirical understanding of political
theory
Know and understand the ancient Greece and ancient Indian political theory
Reflect upon the contemporary debates in political theory
SYLLABUS OF DSC-1
UNIT- I (16 Hours)
What is Political Theory and what is its relevance?
UNIT - II (28 Hours)
Concepts: Liberty, Equality, Justice, Rights
UNIT -III (16 Hours)
Debates in Political Theory:
a. Protective discriminationand principles of fairness?
b. The Public vs private debate: Feminist Perspective Censorship and its limits
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Essential/recommended readings
Unit
I
Bhargava, R. (2008) What is Political Theory', in Bhargava, R. and Acharya, A. (eds.)
Political Theory: An Introduction. New Delhi: Pearson Longman,pp. 2-17.
Bhargava, R. (2008) 'Why Do We Need Political Theory', in Bhargava, R. and Acharya,
A.(eds.) Political Theory: An Introduction. New Delhi: Pearson Longman, pp. 18-37.
Unit 2
Sriranjani, V. (2008) 'Liberty', in Bhargava, R. and Acharya, A. (eds.) Political Theory: An
Introduction. New Delhi: Pearson Longman,pp. 40-57.
Acharya, A. (2008) 'Equality', in Bhargava, R. and Acharya, A. (eds.) Political Theory: An
Introduction. New Delhi: Pearson Longman,pp. 58-73.
Menon, K. (2008) Justice', in Bhargava, R. and Acharya, A. (eds.) Political Theory: An
Introduction. New Delhi: Pearson Longman, pp. 74-82.
Talukdar, P.S. (2008) Rights', in Bhargava, R. and Acharya, (eds.) Political Theory: An
A.
Introduction.New Delhi: Pearson Longman,pp. 88-105.
Unit 3
Acharya, A. (2008) 'Affirmative Action', in Bhargava, R. and Acharya, A. (eds.) Political
Theory: An Introduction. New Delhi: Pearson Longman,pp. 298-307.
Frances E 0. (1985) The Myth of State Intervention in the Family', University of Michigan
Journal of Law Reform. 18 (4), pp. 835-64.
Sethi, A. (2008) 'Freedom of Speech and the Question of Censorship', in Bhargava, R. and
Acharya, A. (eds.)Political Theory: An Introduction. New Delhi: Pearson Longman,pp. 308
319.
Suggestive readings
Berlin, I."Two Concepts of Liberty"
Rawls, John, A Theory of Justice
Jaggar, Alison, "Introduction",Feminist Politics and Human Nature
Kukathas, Chandran, "The Demise and Rise of Political Theory"
Riley, J. (2008) 'Liberty', in McKinnon, C. (ed.) Issues in Political Theory, New York:
Oxford University Press, pp. 103-125.
Casal, P. &
William, A. (2008) 'Equality', in McKinnon,C. (ed.) Issues in Political Theory.
New York: Oxford University Press, pp. 149- 165.
Wolf, J. (2008) 'Social Justice', in McKinnon,C. (ed.) Issues in Political Theory. New York:
Oxford University Press, pp. 172-193.
Chambers, C. (2008) Gender', in McKinnon,C. (ed.) Issues in Political Theory. New York:
Oxford University Press, pp. 241-288.
Swift, A. (2001) Political Philosophy: A Beginners Guide for Students and Politicians.
Cambridge: Polity Press.
Jha, M. (2001) Ramabai: Gender and Caste', in Singh, M.P. and Roy, H. (eds.) Indian
Political Thought: Themes and Thinkers, New Delhi: Pearson.
Menon, N. (2008) 'Gender", in Bhargava, R. and Acharya, (eds.) Political Theory: An
,
A.
Introduction. New Delhi: Pearson Longman,pp. 224-235.
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Note: Examination scheme and mode shallbe as prescribed by the Examination
Branch,University of Delhi, from time to time.
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