Introduction to Political Theory (DSC-1)
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
• 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
Unit – I
What is Political Theory and what is its relevance?
Unit – II
Concepts: Liberty, Equality, Justice, Rights
Unit – III
Debates in Political Theory:
a. Protective discrimination and principles of fairness?
b. The Public vs private debate: Feminist Perspective, Censorship and its limits
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, A. (eds.) Political Theory: An
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 O. (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, A. (eds.) Political Theory: An
Introduction. New Delhi: Pearson Longman, pp. 224-235.
