School of Social Sciences
P.G. Department of Political Science
Programme: M.A. Political Science
Course Title: Critical Traditions in Political Theory (PS-203-22-DCE) Credit 04
Teacher: Dr. Javid Ahmad Dar
Office: First Floor,
Social Science Block
Email:
[email protected]1. Course Description:
In an increasing globalized world, the critical intellectual traditions transform the very ways
of theorizing political theory. Beyond the simple political theory, it creates the opportunities
of exploring the ontological and epistemological assumptions in critical tradition of political
theory. Critical Tradition in Political Theory is a growing subfield that is recognized as an
increasingly important intellectual formation in democratizing the contours of envisioning
public life. It brings forth and takes critical theory seriously. It undertakes explicit critical
tradition study at multiple levels. It is sometimes broadly taken as “fusion of horizons”, and
at other, precisely understood as “interpretive” political theory.
Objectives:
The course is grounded in the following objectives:
i. To introduce students to the critical traditions in political theory;
ii. To take critical tradition seriously and explore its scope of engaging with the
dominant traditions;
iii. To introduce the students to conceptual and methodological complexities of
exploring similarities and differences between theories, thinkers and traditions; and
iv. To underline the tension in re-presenting the differential ideas or concepts in a
somewhat general (global) framework.
Pedagogy:
The Course shall be a readings-based course. The teacher/instructor would be a leading
discussant of the essential and optional readings, and students are expected to discuss the
essential readings through individual presentations and group discussions. Valuing
translations and critical engagement with translations shall be part of learning process in
highlighting the peculiar ‘ontological’ difficulties amidst the ‘shifting’ epistemological
assumptions.
Evaluation/ Assessment:
The Internal Assessment/Evaluation will be based on two components. First, the attendance
of lectures and participation in discussions; second, the students are required to write
essay/term-paper (3000-5000 words) to obtain the eligibility to appear in End-Semester
examination. However, the End Semester Examination of the Course shall be in accordance
with Final Assessment prescribed by the Institution from time to time.
Unit I: Introduction
1.1 Interrogating tradition
1.2 What is a critique?
1.3 The importance of a critical tradition
Unit II: Marxism
2.1 Debates on Historical Materialism
2.2 Critique of Capitalism: Alienation, Exploitation
2.3 Theories of Revolution and non-western Marxism
Unit III: Beyond Marxism I
3.1 Philosophical encounters:
a. Psychoanalysis,
b. Postmodernism
3.2 Feminism:
a. Theories of knowledge, critiques of science and rationality
b. Theories of the Public/Private, Equality/Difference
Unit IV: Beyond Marxism II
4.1 Development of the sex/gender distinction
4.2 Gender and Sexuality
4.3 Beyond Class: Race and Caste as alternate Variables
Suggested Readings:
Unit I
1. Alan Ryan (2014). On Marx—Revolutionary and Utopian, London: Liveright Publishers.
2. Leszek Kolakowski(1978).Main Currents in Marxism(Vol. 1-3), Oxford: Clarendon Press.
3. Eric Hobsbawm (2010). How to Change the World—Tales of Marx and Marxism,
Unit II
4. Ernesto Laclau &Chantal Mouffe (1985). Hegemony and Sociaist Strategy. London:
Verso.
5. Ernesto Laclau (1990). New Reflections on the Revolution of our Time, London, Verso.
6. Istvan Meszaros (1970).Marx’s Theory of Alienation, London: Merlin Press.
Unit II
7. Alison Jaggar (1983).Feminist Politics and Human Nature, Harvester Press.
8. Lynda Nicoloson (ed.) (1990).Feminism/Postmodernism, London: Routledge.
9. Maxine Rodinson (1980).Marxism and the Muslim World, Hyderabad: Orient Longman.
Unit IV
10. Patricia Williams(1991).The Alchemy of Race and Rights, Harvard, MT: Harvard
University Press.
11. Ronaldo Munck.A Difficult Dialogue: Marxism and Nationalism, London: Zed.
12. Terry Eagleton (2011). Why Marx was Right, London: Yale University Press.
