ΠΙΘ511: Political and Economic Theory

The aim of the Module ΠΙΘ511 is to provide students with a systematic background in the field of Political and Economic Theory. The substantial familiarity with political and economic theoretical thinking is a fundamental prerequisite for any kind of qualitative engagement with politics. Delving into the theoretical thought in the fields of politics and economy will enable students to comprehensively and constructively approach the current political situation. To this purpose the Module focuses on the most important aspects of political and economic theory from antiquity till the present day. The theoretical phenomena under consideration are always studied in conjunction with certain case studies from current politics in order to demonstrate the intrinsic link between theory and (political) practice. The focus on selected trends in political and economic theoretical thinking will give students the opportunity not only to acquire important knowledge but also to shape their own theoretical way of thinking. At the same time, the teaching process also aims to clearly demonstrate the interconnections between the different theoretical traditions and to clarify the definitions and meanings of many popular “-isms” that occur in the current political debates. The Module ΠΙΘ511 consists of an Introductory Section and 4 Parts:

• Introductory Section: The ancient Greek political and economic thought
• 1st Part: The political thought of the 17th and 18th century
• 2nd Part: The classical political economy of the 18th and 19th century
• 3rd Part: The neoclassical political economy of the 19th and the 20th century
• 4th Part: The political thought in the 20th century