POLA2012 Classical Political Thought (5 cr)

Open the course unit brochure on Sisu
Study level:
Intermediate studies
Grading scale:
0-5
Language:
English, Finnish
Responsible organisation:
Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy
Curriculum periods:
2020-2021, 2021-2022, 2022-2023, 2023-2024

Description

Introducing students to the writings of major thinkers in the history of ancient, medieval, and early modern political thought.

Learning outcomes

The course will enable students to familiarize themselves with diverse political and religious traditions and reflect upon the principles of effective leadership and the ethical dimensions of politics. The course will provide an opportunity to students to enhance their analytical abilities, improve their argumentative strategies, and develop their communicative and academic writing skills.

Study materials

Materials for contact teaching are introduced during the course.


Materials for the written assignment as follows:


Janet Coleman, A History of Political Thought: From Ancient Greece to Early Christianity

Janet Coleman, A History of Political Thought: From the Middle Ages to the Renaissance


And ONE of the following books:


Aristotle: Politics (Πολιτικά)

Plato: Republic (Πολιτεία)

Plutarch: Lives of the Noble Greeks and Romans (Βίοι Παράλληλοι)

Cicero: De officiis

Seneca: On Clemency (De clementia)

Thomas Aquinas: On Kingship (De regno)

Marsilius of Padua: Defender of the Peace (Defensor pacis)

Literature

  • Aristotle: Politics (Πολιτικά)
  • Plato: Republic (Πολιτεία)
  • Koikkalainen, P. ja Korvela, P-E.: Klassiset poliittiset ajattelijat. Vastapaino 2012; ISBN: 978-951-768-373-9
  • Plutarch: Lives of the Noble Greeks and Romans (Βίοι Παράλληλοι)
  • Cicero: Velvollisuuksista (De officiis)
  • Seneca: On Clemency (De clementia)
  • Thomas Aquinas: On Kingship (De regno)
  • Marsilius of Padua: Defender of the Peace (Defensor pacis)
  • Coleman, J.: A History of Political Thought: From Ancient Greece to Early Christianity. Oxford; ISBN: 0-631-21821-1
  • Coleman, J.: A History of Political Thought: From the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. Oxford; ISBN: 0-631-18652-2

Completion methods

Method 1

Description:
Contact teaching
Evaluation criteria:
Assignments are evaluated on the basis of the students’ mastery of the contents of teaching and literature, demonstrated skills in critical evaluation of arguments and the application of theoretical concepts to political issues.
Select all marked parts

Method 2

Description:
Written assignment
Evaluation criteria:
Assignments are evaluated on the basis of the students’ mastery of the contents of teaching and literature, demonstrated skills in critical evaluation of arguments and the application of theoretical concepts to political issues.
Select all marked parts
Parts of the completion methods
x

Teaching (5 cr)

Type:
Participation in teaching
Grading scale:
0-5
Language:
Finnish

Teaching

x

Independent study (5 cr)

Type:
Independent study
Grading scale:
0-5
Language:
Finnish

Teaching