Theories of the state 4003-102WNP

The lecture presents the interconnection between the state and economy, society and ideology. It discusses historical and philosophical concepts of the state and politics. Generally, the lecture focuses on the state inscribed into the European tradition.
The lecture will be supplemented by the seminar, where students will get acquainted with the texts of classics (e.g. John Stuart Mill, Benjamin Constant, Edmund Burke, Joseph de Maistre) and of some contemporary authors. The major aim of the seminar is the presentation and discussing of some classical ideologies (liberalism, conservatism and socialism) and of contemporary ideological debates about the role of the state and politics.

Type of course

obligatory courses

Prerequisites (description)

The student should know the social and political history of the world at the secondary school leaving-exam level. He should be also familiar with the basic political science concepts.

Learning outcomes

The student understands the historical process of formation of the state. He understands the basis of functioning of the modern state, its social and economic functions.

Assessment criteria

The final grade consists of the following components: test examination and open-ended questions, the classes grade.
Evaluation requirements: knowledge of the content of the lectures, knowledge of the readings related to the lectures, knowledge of the readings discussed during the conservatory, positive classes grade.
Very good grade from the classes may exempt from the examination.