Contemporary Ideologies

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The end (or death) of ideology has been proclaimed a few times in the second half of the 20th century. However, these reports seem to be either greatly exaggerated or premature. Even though ideologies have been evolving and taking different forms, the role of ideological thinking as such remains evident also 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. (The term “contemporary” refers to the 20th century and present thought). By the end of this course students should be able to identify the constitutive elements of the discussed currents of political thought, to have good understanding of both similarities and differences among major contemporary ideologies. They should also acquire better understanding of primary problems of contemporary political philosophy. The course will master students’ competence in reading and analysing 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 studied matters. The overall intention of the course is to familiarize students with key themes of contemporary political ideologies so that they would be able to effectively pursue further studies – for example focusing on specific currents of thought.

Among the discussed political currents are:

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. communitarianism

8. political postmodernism and multiculturalism

9. ecologism

10. feminism

Origins and outline of evolution of these ideas and ideologies will be taken into account. A comparative approach will be adopted with a thorough exposition of essential contentions and possible analogies among ideologies in consideration. All the mentioned currents will be examined in the political, socio-cultural and historical context. A number of political philosophy’s key concepts will be introduced, necessary to make students understand the essence of contemporary ideological debates and controversies. A special attention will be paid to questions of freedom, equality, justice, the proper social order and the representation of human nature present in the discussed ideologies.

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.

Assessment:

1. Regular attendance - required. Two absences are allowed without consequences. In case of greater number of absences, some additional reading or an extra assignment paper may be required.

2. Active participation in class discussions, based first of all on assigned reading - recommended.

3. Class presentation (in PowerPoint or Prezi format, limited number of topics available) - optional.

4. Final written examination (in-class essay, 80 minutes) - required.

Important: in order to complete the course, student needs to meet formal criteria (attendance) and receive at least a passing grade (“3”) from the final exam.

The final exam ("zaliczenie na ocenę") will be held on January 26th - the last day of classes.

Grade distribution (approximately):

Attendance, participation in class discussions: 25%

Class presentation: 15% (if chosen)

Final examination: 60%