POL11: The History of Political Thought Since c.1890

Ranging from the rise of Marxism to the crises of the two world wars, through decolonisation to the end of the Cold War and beyond, this paper provides traces the development of political ideas through the twentieth century and into contemporary political philosophy. As the 'late' paper of three in the history of political thought, it engages with the modern history of fundamental concepts in politics, some of which you may have encountered elsewhere – freedom, equality, democracy, feminism, revolution – and others that may be less familiar, such as ecology, punishment and welfare.

The paper is divided into two parts. Section A covers important thinkers in the history of twentieth-century political thought; Section B focuses on significant traditions and debates in political philosophy and the history of political thought. In both sections, students are expected to engage closely with primary texts written by the thinkers under consideration whilst also considering the historical context and significance of their work. It is possible to concentrate on one side or other of the paper, but students will be required to answer at least one question from each section.

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