Contemporary Political Thought (saylor.org)

Please note: this legacy course does not offer a certificate and may contain broken links and outdated information. Although archived, it is open for learning without registration or enrollment.
The purpose of this course is to provide you with an overview of the major political theorists and their work from the 18th century to the present. Common themes seen in contemporary political thought include governance, property ownership and redistribution, free enterprise, individual liberty, justice, and responsibility for the common welfare. You will read the works of theorists advocating capitalism, socialism, communism, egalitarianism, utilitarianism, social contract theory, liberalism, conservatism, neo-liberalism, neo-conservatism, libertarianism, fascism, anarchy, rational choice theory, and multiculturalism. By studying the evolving constructs of political theory in the past two centuries, you will gain insight into different approaches that leaders use to solve complex problems of governance and maintenance of social order.
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Summarize the primary principles of capitalism, socialism, communism, egalitarianism, utilitarianism, social contract theory, liberalism, conservatism, neo-liberalism, neo-conservatism, libertarianism, fascism, anarchy, rational choice theory, and multiculturalism.
• Identify major the political theorists from the 188h century to the present.
• Discuss major political movements in their respective historical contexts.
• Assess the impact that various political movements have had on law, economics, international relations, and society.
• Analyze various primary sources of political theory and understand how these theories can be applied to solve problems in society.
• Understand the challenges that modern leaders face in framing political debate and public policy.