Introduction to Political Theory, 2nd edition

By John Hoffman and Paul Graham
Pearson Education
Distributed By Trans-Atlantic Publications
August 2009
ISBN: 9781405899888
560 pages
$67.50 Paper Original

Description

"This book provides an engaging and intellectually challenging introduction to political ideologies, while at the same time giving an accessible route into the subject for those new to politics. Supported by an outstanding companion website, it has strong claims to be the best undergraduate textbook on ideologies on the market."

Dr. Mike Gough, University of East Anglia

Introduction to Political Theory is a text for the 21st century.  It shows students why an understanding of theory is crucial to an understanding of issues and events in a rapidly shifting global political landscape. Bringing together classic and contemporary political concepts and ideologies into one book, this new text introduces the major approaches to political issues that have shaped the modern world, and the ideas that form the currency of political debate.

Introduction to Political Theory relates political ideas to political realities through effective use of examples and cases studies making theory lively, contentious and relevant.  

This thoroughly revised and updated second edition contains new chapters on global justice and political violence, as well as an expanded treatment of globalisation and the state.  

A wide range of pedagogical features helps to clarify, extend and apply students’ understanding of the fundamental ideologies and concepts. This is comprised of:

·  Case studies demonstrate how political ideas, concepts and issues manifest in the real world
·  ‘Focus' boxes encourage students to appreciate alternative viewpoints
·  A range of thought provoking photographs challenge students to examine concepts from a different angle
·  Suggestions for further reading and weblinks are also provided to help students to further their understanding

Introduction to Political Theory  is accompanied by an innovative website with multiple choice questions, biographies of key figures in political theory, further case studies and an innovative ‘how to read’ feature which helps students get to grips with difficult primary texts.  

Contents

Introduction

PART ONE: CLASSICAL IDEAS

Chapter 1: The State
Chapter 2: Freedom
Chapter 3: Equality
Chapter 4: Justice
Chapter 5: Democracy
Chapter 6: Citizenship
Chapter 7: Punishment

PART TWO: CLASSICAL IDEOLOGIES

What is Ideology?
Chapter 8: Liberalism
Chapter 9: Conservatism
Chapter 10: Socialism
Chapter 11: Anarchism
Chapter 12: Nationalism
Chapter 13: Fascism

PART THREE: CONTEMPORARY IDEOLOGIES

Chapter 14: Feminism
Chapter 15: Multiculturalism
Chapter 16: Ecologism
Chapter 17: Fundamentalism

PART FOUR: CONTEMPORARY IDEAS

Chapter 18: Human Rights
Chapter 19: Civil Disobedience
Chapter 20: Political Violence
Chapter 21: Global Justice

Features


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