Entry requirements

This is a continuing course at undergraduate level that requires at least 30 Swedish higher education credits in political science or corresponding knowledge. 'Corresponding' includes studies in social sciences with extensive and distinct elements of political science. This course is taught only for exchange students.

Learning outcomes

Students are expected to learn the main theories in contemporary normative political philosophy. They should be able to analyse them from a critical point of view, and to formulate their own independent arguments for and against the theories studied. They should also be able to relate fundamental theories of justice to theories of citizenship, gender equality and multiculturalism. Finally, the students are expected to apply abstract normative thinking to practical political problems.

After completing the course the students are expected to

• be informed about the modern scientific debate in normative political theory in general, and about the discussion on justice in particular
• apply normative thinking to issues of civic duty, gender equality and multiculturalism
• independently identify and discuss political conflicts, related to different normative principles
• be able to collect theoretical and empirical information in order to formulate normative arguments (in questions related to political ethics)
• be able to present their arguments in writing and orally, clearly and systematically

Content

This course consists of three parts. In the first part we focus on normative theories of distributive justice, such as utilitarianism, Rawls' liberal egalitarianism, and Nozick's libertarianism -as well as Marxism and post-Marxism.  The second part concerns the balance between autonomy and tolerance within liberal theory, as well as citizenship; how, for example, should the liberal state handle the increasingly heated issue of religious minorities and religion in the public sphere, and to what extent do citizens have a duty to vote and, in fact, vote well?  The third part revolves around identity and recognition, with a focus on multiculturalism and feminism.

Instruction

The course is given both for Swedish students and exchange students. The lectures are given in English. The seminar discussions will be in Swedish or English.

Assessment

The course ends with a written test. The exam is marked according to the Swedish standard (U-G-VG). Half of the maximum points are required to pass the test. The questions can be answered in English or in Swedish. Active participation in each of the seminars is also required. The students should prepare written answers to the seminar questions.

Other regulations

For exchange students only.