Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996
Synopsis Since the French Revolution modern politics has been dominated by two key historical factors: the repeated violent upheavals we call revolutions and the continuous growth of the system of authority and administration we call the state. This subject seeks to explore the interrelation between these factors by studying them from various points of view, drawing on the ideas of a wide range of representative thinkers (see prescribed textbooks). Caught between the violence of revolution and the rigidity of the state system, the individual often feels called upon to make morally difficult - if not impossible - political choices. Though the subject, obviously, cannot provide `answers' it can help to illuminate what is involved in making such choices. The subject aims to open up the rich variety of politics, and also to outline some of the key issues that arise within it. The opposition between stability and change, morality and power, action and symbols of action will be among the key themes explored.
Assessment Essay (6000 words): 50% + Examinations (3 hours): 50%