Learning objectives
Acquire a deep knowledge of the origins and the historical development of the western political thought both in ancient and modern times
- This class will help the students to understand the main themes and authors of the western political thought in relation to the historical contexts.
- Pupils are expected to be able to analyze and interpret past and present national and international political scenarios.
- Students are supposed to elaborate an independent critical textual analysis, and to associate different authors and their political thoughts.
- By analyzing the main authors’ thoughts, students will be able to elaborate clearly and correctly synthetic ideas on the main questions related to modern and contemporary politics.
Course unit content
The course will focus on an analysis of the origin and development of contemporary Western political thought, by the study of the most significant authors. Particular attention will be directed to the study of constitutional thought before and following the american and the european revolutions.
Bibliography
1. R. Gherardi (a cura), La politica e gli Stati. Problemi e figure del pensiero occidentale, Carocci, Roma 2010. First Part, chpaters: 1,2,4,6,7,8,9.
Second Part, chapters: Burke, Sieyès, Kant, Fichte, Hegel, Constant, Tocqueville, Mill, Marx, Mosca, Weber, Dewey, Kelsen, Schmitt, Arendt.
2. M. Fioravanti, Costituzione, Il Mulino, Bologna 1999.
3. M.L. Lanzillo (a cura), LibertภLaterza, Roma-Bari 2008.
Assessment methods and criteria
Written exam with open-ended questions on the main arguments. It’s possible to take oral examination.
Other information
Integrated exam with Dottrine politiche europee (Prof. M. Truffelli).
