Modern Political Thought

The purpose of the Modern Political Thought course is to analyse the central texts in modern political thought, and to introduce students to the major theories from the 17th to the 19th centuries.

Students will be expected to study these texts in depth, and to apply techniques of modern philosophical analysis to their consideration. They will also be required to appreciate the intellectual and historical context in which the texts were written.

Students will, in this way, develop a critical understanding of the modern development of political thought as well as the scholarly debates surrounding it, and develop skills in interpreting philosophical texts and arguing philosophically.

The Modern Political Thought course is a first-year course that forms part of either the Politics and IR undergraduate major or minor at the University. The University takes a more personal approach to education, teaching students through small group seminars and one-to-one tutorials to ensure the best possible learning environment and academic achievement. Politics and IR can be combined either as a major or minor with any of Art History, Creative Writing, Economics, English, History, Philosophy, or Law at the University.