Social and Political Philosophy

Introduction to Social and Political Philosophy or corresponding knowledge and skills

After completing the course, students will be proficient and able to apply the most important basic concepts of contemporary social and political philosophy and their different interpretations. Students will be able to understand key ideas and concepts of social and political philosophy, current discussion and apply social and political philosophical argumentation. Students will be equipped to prepare a proseminar presentation and a bachelor’s thesis on a topic within the field of social and political philosophy. The student’s understanding of the ambiguity of concepts is increasing, which improves their ability to engage in coherent and competent philosophical argumentation.

Literature to be completed in the Examinarium examination (instead of a lecture course):

The following nine articles from the Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (https://plato.stanford.edu/(Opens in a new tab)): Justice, John Rawls, Equality, Human Rights, Global Justice, Democracy, Feminist Political Philosophy, Critical Theory (Frankfurt School), Domination.

• and one of the following:
  • Griffin, J: On Human Rights, chapters 1-10
    
  • Kelly, Mark G E: Foucault and Politics: A Critical Introduction
    
  • Rawls J: Justice as Fairness: A Restatement
    
  • Stone A: An Introduction to Feminist Philosophy

• 
  

Target group

Students of the Bachelor’s Programme in Philosophy and other programmes as well as Open University students

Timing

Students of the Bachelor’s Programme in Philosophy: first or second academic year. Students of the Study Track in Practical Philosophy: it is recommended that they complete their studies during the first academic year.

Completion methods

Participation in teaching or the Examinarium examination The course is organised as contact instruction, usually in the Spring term, as well as an all-year Examinarium examination (see Learning materials). It is recommended that the course be completed by participating in teaching.

Grading criteria

Assessment is based on learning outcomes. The detailed assessment methods and criteria for the course corresponding to the course will be presented at the beginning of the course. The assessment measures the student’s ability to analyse the course content and/or literature and to make independent interpretations based on it. The assessment measures the mastery of the content of the course, and the criterion is the mastery and application of the key content. An approved examination in Examinarium requires that each examination question has been successfully completed.