Political philosophy

Can freedom be reconciled with justice? Explore this and other questions in this introduction to the main currents of western thought, from Aristotle to Marx and beyond.

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Key course information

Dates
10/01/12 - 27/03/12

Day(s)
Tue

Duration
12 weeks

Time
14:10 - 15:40

Fees
Full fee: £83
Senior fee: £47

Venue
KS - Keeley Street

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Course code
HP030

Availability
Available
(status updated every 15 mins)

No concessionary fees are available as the limit has been reached.

This course has started

It may still be possible to enrol. Please call 020 7831 7831 to discuss. Please note that you will have missed some of the course content and it may not be possible for the tutor to fully cover this with you.

Course outline

What is the course about?

Can you reconcile freedom and justice? Can you justify human rights? Are states effective social formations? Can any ideas still be taken from Marx? Is Nietzsche's idea of human nature preferable to Hobbes? Explore these and other questions in this introduction to the main currents of Western political thinking from conservatism and socialism to anarchism, fascism and ecologism.

What topics will we cover?

The course provides an introduction to the main currents of Western political thinking, exploring the ideas of philosophers such as Thomas Hobbes, J.S. Mill, Nietzsche and Marx.

By the end of this course you should be able to:

- identify some of the key ideas and questions in Western political philosophy
- identify how philosophy has a distinctive approach or way of tackling problems
- analyse problems in a reflective philosophical way.

What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?

This course is suitable for those who have followed an introductory course, but those new to philosophy will also be welcome .However an enthusiasm for learning as well as an open and critical mind will enhance your enjoyment and benefit from this course. On joining this course you should be able to read and comment upon extracts from a philosophical text. You should be prepared to discuss this reading in class.

How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?

A combination of lectures, group and class discussion.

Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?

A reading list will be provided in the first class.

Do I need to have an interview before I can enrol?

No.

What feedback will I get?

You will receive regular feedback from your tutor throughout the course, as and when appropriate. At the end of the course you and your tutor are asked to assess the progress you have made.

How will I be able to give my views on the course?

Please complete the evaluation form at the end of your course. These are monitored and help us to continually improve our courses.

How do I find out if I can get some support for my learning?

You may be interested in: education and careers advice; financial and childcare support; disability support; support for Deaf and hearing-impaired students; dyslexia support; English and maths support; counselling, and library services (supported learning centre). To find out what may be available to you, and how to apply, see page 213 of the 11/12 course guide, or visit www.citylit.ac.uk/students

When I've finished, what course can I do next?

General information and advice on courses at City Lit is available from the Information and Advice Shop, open Monday to Friday 12:00 – 19:00 during term time, and Monday to Friday 12:00 – 17:00 out of term time. See the course guide for term dates and further details.

Who can I contact for further information?

Tel: 020 7492 2652

humanities@citylit.ac.uk

Advice times:

During term-time Monday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30 and 17.30–18.30

Non term-time Monday 17.30–18.30 Thursday 12.30–13.30.

To enrol on a course, call 020 7831 7831.

Select another date / day / time

Dates	Day(s)	Time	Duration	Fees	Snr	Conc	Code	Availability
10/01/12 to 27/03/12	Tue	14:10 - 15:40	12 weeks	£83	£47	N/A	HP030	Started	» Select
20/09/11 to 06/12/11	Tue	18:00 - 19:30	12 weeks	£94	£94	N/A	HP010	Finished	» Select