Contemporary Ideologies 2102-ERASMUS-COID
The end (or death) of ideology has been proclaimed several times in the second half of the 20th century. However, these declarations have proven to be either greatly exaggerated or premature. Although ideologies have continued to evolve and take different forms, ideological thinking remains clearly evident even in the era of such “posts” as “postmodernity” and “post-politics".
The aim of the course is to introduce students to the most important and influential political ideologies of the contemporary Western world (here, “contemporary” refers to 20th- and 21st-century thought). By the end of the course, students should be able to identify the constitutive elements of the currents of political thought discussed, and to demonstrate a good understanding of both the similarities and differences among the major contemporary ideologies. They should also acquire a better understanding of the central problems of contemporary political philosophy. The course will help students master the skills required to read and analyse texts on political ideas. It is also intended to strengthen their ability to discuss complex political and ideological issues and to develop their own interpretations of the material. Overall, the course aims to familiarise students with the key themes of contemporary political ideologies so that they will be able to pursue further studies effectively — for example, by focusing on specific currents of thought.
The course examines the following political currents:
1. nationalism
2. totalitarianism (fascism/nazism and communism/Stalinism)
3. liberalism and neo-liberalism
4. libertarianism
5. neo-marxism and the New Left
6. conservatism and neo-conservatism
7. political postmodernism and multiculturalism
8. ecologism
9. feminism
The origins and evolution of these ideas and ideologies will be examined. A comparative approach will be adopted, providing a thorough exposition of the essential claims, arguments, and possible analogies among the ideologies under consideration. All the currents mentioned will be analysed in their political, socio-cultural, and historical contexts. A number of key concepts from political philosophy will be introduced in order to help students understand the essence of contemporary ideological debates and controversies. Special attention will be paid to the questions of freedom, equality, justice, the proper social order, and the conceptions of human nature present in the ideologies will be discussed.
Type of course
Course coordinators
Mode
Learning outcomes
KNOWLEDGE
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
Identify and describe the core principles, values, and arguments of major contemporary political ideologies
Explain the historical origins and evolution of contemporary Western political ideologies from the 20th century to present
Recognize the different conceptions of freedom, equality, justice, social order, and human nature embedded in various ideological frameworks
Describe the political, socio-cultural, and historical contexts that shaped the development of contemporary ideologies
Understand key similarities and differences among major ideological currents
Explain central problems and debates in contemporary political philosophy
SKILLS
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
Analyze political and ideological texts critically and identify their underlying assumptions
Apply a comparative approach to examine relationships, analogies, and distinctions among different ideologies
Use key concepts from political philosophy (freedom, equality, justice, human nature) as analytical tools for understanding ideological positions
Construct well-reasoned arguments about complex political and ideological issues
Interpret primary and secondary sources on political thought independently
COMPETENCES
Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:
Engage in informed, nuanced political debate on contemporary ideological issues
Evaluate the relevance and influence of ideological thinking in postmodern and post-political contexts
Develop and articulate their own interpretations of political ideologies and their contemporary manifestations
Integrate knowledge of multiple ideological perspectives to analyze complex political situations and controversies
Assessment criteria
Assessment
1. Regular attendance is required. Up to two absences are allowed without penalty. Additional absences may result in extra reading or a short written assignment.
2. Active participation in class discussions, based on the assigned readings, is expected/recommended.
3. Short mid-term exam (in-class essay, 40 minutes) – required.
4. Final written examination (in-class essay, 80 minutes) – required.
Important: To complete the course, students must meet the attendance requirement and achieve at least a passing grade (3.0) on the final examination.
Grade distribution (approximate):
Attendance and class participation: 20%
Mid-term exam: 25%
Final examination: 55%
Use of AI:
LEVEL 2. GENERATING IDEAS AND CREATING STRUCTURES THROUGH AI
Artificial intelligence can be used, among other things, to brainstorm, create structures and generate ideas for improving work.
Practical placement
Not applicable.
Bibliography
Reading list will consists of selected chapters from the following books: Avinieri Sh., De-Shalit A. (eds.), Communitarianism and Individualism, Oxford University Press, 1992; Freeden M., Ideologies and Political Theory: A Conceptual Approach, Clarendon Press, Oxford, 1996; Galston W.A., Liberal Purposes. Goods, virtues, and diversity in the liberal state, University Press, 1991; Gerson M. (ed.), The Essential Neo-conservative Reader, Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, 1996; Goodin R.E., Pettit Ph. (eds.), A Companion to Contemporary Political Philosophy, Blackwell Publishers, 1995; Gutman A. (ed.), Multiculturalism and "The Politics of Recognition," Princeton University Press, 1994; Holmes S., The Anatomy of Antiliberalism, Harvard University Press, 1996; Kymlicka W., Contemporary Political Philosophy: An Introduction, Oxford University Press, 1991; Putnam Tong R., Feminist Thought. A More Comprehensive Introduction, Westview Press 1998; Vincent A., Modern Political Ideologies, Blackwell Publishers, 1992.
The reading list may be supplemented during the course.
All of the reading materials will be sent to participants by e-mail.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: