Revolution, the state and the individual
Proposed to be offered next in 1998
Harry Redner
8 points
* 3 hours per week
* Clayton
Objectives On successful completion of this subject, students should be familiar with the main lines of development in European political history since the early middle ages, namely the rise of individualism, the growth of the state and the onset of revolutions. This should give them the necessary historical and conceptual background for any further study of politics.
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 viewpoints, drawing on the ideas of a wide range of representative thinkers (see prescribed texts). 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 outline some of the key issues that arise within it. The opposition between stability and change, morality and power, action and symbols will be among the key themes explored.
Assessment Essay (3000 words) and seminar participation: 40%
*
Examination (3 hours): 60%
Prescribed texts
Gerth and Mills (eds) From Max Weber RKP
Marx K The 18th Brumaire (any edn)
Redner H and Redner J Anatomy of the world Collins/Fontana
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