GOVT1003 Revolutionary Ideas: Political & Economic

Contemporary society is a product of a series of revolutions: political, social, economic, technological, sexual, etc. This topic introduces students to the ways in which society has evolved through such revolutions of established order and ways of thinking. It discusses how the prevalence of revolutionary processes structures politics into conservative and progressive/liberal camps. The topic places at its centre the debates on the dynamics between capitalism, socialism and democracy. Lastly, the topic thematizes the most recent revolutions at the everyday level, including those tied to the internet, to rising levels of inequality, to sexual and gender identities, and to the environment.

The principal aim of this topic is to discuss the ways in which economic and social forces determine the content and form of politics. The topic provides students the basis to make an informed judgment on government policies based on the understanding of the interrelation between capitalism, socialism and democracy. Additionally, the topic introduces students to some of the classical political and economic thinkers of modern times.

1. Explain the basic debates on the legitimacy of capitalism and socialism from the perspective of democracy
2. Explain the social basis of the modern connection between politics and revolutionary change
3. Analyse on-going demands for political, economic and social changes in relation to a series of contemporary issues