1) Course overview, methods of evaluation, defining terminology 2) A discussion on the nature of politics; political science, political philosophy, and the political spectrum. Where do you stand?

To examine (from a Western perspective) the development of the state and organised society, from early Greco-Roman ideas to C17th Westphalian sovereignty, through Enlightenment rational thought, ending with the construct of the modern territorial nation-state.

A history of the development of democratic systems; examining the conditions under which they may flourish, the likelihood of this happening, and what is required to maintain democratic systems in the face of inherent threats in the modern era.

To analyse the origins and utility of political parties and the electoral systems in which they operate. Using a variety of real-world examples, including; Brazil, Germany, Japan, Kenya and Sri Lanka, students will get a sense of the nuance and fragility of electoral politics.

Students will present a 10–15-minute case study drawing from theories and/or concepts from the course readings thus far. (Available topics and readings on NEO)

This class aims to expose students to a wide variety of current political systems (both de jure and de facto) worldwide. Including but not limited to; presidential, parliamentary, constitutional monarchic, absolute monarchic, one-party, and military junta, with examples and brief political histories provided for each.

Based on all classes and readings up to this point of the semester. The exam will be in the form of two short essays over three hours.

This class provides a sweeping look at the seismic impact the mass-media has had on the nature of politics and political engagement in the last 150 years. Lead thinkers of their time, including; Lippmann, Dewey, Bernays, Habermas and Chomsky will be used to help define the nature of the fourth estate’s relationship with the citizenry they claim to protect from the forces of unchecked power.

Students will present a 10–15-minute case study drawing from theories and/or concepts from the course readings thus far. (Available topics and readings on NEO)

From Black Lives Matter, to #MeToo, to Extinction Rebellion and to the #WomenLifeFreedom protests of Iran, if there is one thing that characterises this period it is social upheaval. Understanding the driving forces behind these movements, their aims, and their impact will be the main focus of this class.

A specialist in EU law and human rights law, working out of the Slovakia-based NGO European Dialogue, Martin Maška will provide students with an in-depth look at Central European politics, then and now. Using the Czech Republic as his central case study – from 1939, to 1968, to 1989 and beyond – Martin’s insights will help this group of international students to get closer to the city and country in which they now find themselves.

Understanding the writings and concepts that fueled growth of Marxist ideology and its opposition to mass industrialisation and labour exploitation in the 20th century. Students will look into historical case studies, including; Soviet Russia, Maoist China, Ho Chi Min’s Vietnam, and Pol Pot’s Cambodia. But also looking into the PRC in the 21st century, asking: How rhetorical is China’s commitment to communism?

This class aims to introduce students to the fast-growing field of postcolonialism within a modern political framework. From lead thinkers like Edward Said and Michel Foucault to modern “PoCo” contributors like Robbie Shilliam and Sheila Nair, students will get a close look at pre-existent systems of inequality and exploitation, making clearer sense of postcoloniality and its impact on global equality and equity.

Based on all classes and readings up to this point of the semester. The exam will be in the form of two short essays over three hours.