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For whom?

Students who are interested in topics such as:

  • Political ideas and thinkers
  • Critical thinking and normative analysis
  • International political theory
  • Reasoned debates over political values

Please note that due to the minor starting in 2024-2025, the information in the 2023-2024 Course Catalogue may be outdated. For the most current programme and detailed course descriptions, refer to the 2024-2025 Course Catalogue from June onwards.

COURSES SEM 1 SEM 2 SEMESTER 1 SEMESTER 2 EC
  • Introduction to political theory: utopia and dystopia
    Period 1
    Period 2
    12

    This course delves into political theory through seminal utopian and dystopian texts, examining societal institutions and prompting reflection on potential societal structures. Texts such as Plato’s Republic, Thomas More’s Utopia, and George Orwell’s 1984 offer insights into the organization of societies, making them essential for understanding political theory and enduring debates. Through close reading and discussion, students explore how these texts shape major worldviews and introduce ongoing debates in the history of political thought.

  • Core module - Political theory
    Period 4
    Period 5
    12

    This BA2 political theory course explores modern classics by influential authors like Hannah Arendt and John Rawls. It covers key concepts such as justice, democracy, free speech, and human rights, drawing from various disciplines including critical theory and political philosophy.

  • Restricted-choice electives: Electives:
    Period 1
    Period 2
    Period 4
    Period 5
    6
  • Free Speech
    Period 1
    6
  • Psychoanalytic Political Theory
    Period 1
    6

    This course looks at the conceptual and methodological grounds of psychoanalytic approaches to political theory. We will also explore the history and the texts of major psychoanalytic theorists who have influenced the development of psychoanalytically informed political thought (Freud, Jung, Klein, Lacan, Reich). We will also look at contemporary applications of psychoanalytic theory to issues of racism, gender, nationalism, and political violence.

  • Markets and Values
    Period 4
    6

    This course examines the intricate relationship between politics and markets, questioning their impact on individual freedom and societal structure. Students explore whether political regulation is essential for maximizing individual autonomy within market systems, and whether markets can exist independently of capitalism.

  • The Politics of Difference
    Period 4
    6

    This course explores the politics of difference, focusing on power dynamics and inequality generated by categorization, such as in movements like Blacklivesmatter and Metoo. It provides students with critical tools to analyze contemporary political agendas and social inequalities, connecting normative, social scientific, and political science perspectives.

  • The Animal Rights Debate: An Introduction
    Period 2
    6

    This course delves into the complex relationship between humans and animals, questioning our treatment of them in various contexts. It explores philosophical and ethical dilemmas surrounding animal rights, examining issues such as speciesism and our responsibilities towards animals. Through ethical and political theory, it aims to foster discussions on alternative ways of interacting with non-human animals, challenging traditional views on their treatment and rights.

  • History of political thought
    Period 4
    6

    This course surveys classical and modern political thought, exploring key thinkers and enduring political challenges. Students analyze texts from diverse traditions and practice interpreting original sources to reflect on recurrent debates in political life.

  • Modern Conservatism and Machiavellianism
    Period 2
    6

    This course explores modern Conservatism and Machiavellianism, questioning their nature and relationship to liberalism. Studying European, Anglo, and Confucian political theory, we'll analyze works by Oakeshott, Strauss, and Schmitt, as well as texts by Scruton, Chan, and Hazony. We'll differentiate Conservatism from Machiavellianism and understand the diversity within conservatism.

  • Deliberative Democracy and its Limits
    Period 5
    6

    This course introduces deliberative democracy through key works by theorists like Habermas and Gutmann & Thompson, exploring both theoretical critiques and empirical assessments. Students analyze its desirability and practical feasibility, culminating in their own critical analysis of deliberative democracy's merits and limitations.

Compulsory course
Elective
Read more in the Course Catalogue (2023-2024)
Video minor Political Theory
Video minor Political Theory

Related Master's programme

This minor may serve as a good preparation for academic Bachelor’s students who want to apply for admission to the Master's programme in Political Theory (Political Science). Always check the entry requirements of the Master’s programme you are interested in.

Entry requirements

Completed first year of a bachelor’s programme. A completed first year of applied sciences (HBO) does not grant access to the minor.

Application

International exchange students are contacted by their programme coordinator regarding enrolment. Students from Dutch universities can enrol the following way:

  • Students from other universities may enrol as a guest student in this minor programme at the UvA.
  • Fill in the application form on the minor page of the digital Course Catalogue
  • Use your student ID number to register for the course in SIS.
Facts & Figures
Credits
30 ECTS,
Language of instruction
English
Starts in
September