Introduction to Political Theory - Softcover

Graham, Paul; Hoffman, John

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1408285924 ISBN 13: 9781408285923

Publisher: Routledge, 2015

Synopsis

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 case studies making theory lively, contentious and relevant.

This updated third edition comes with significant revisions which reflect the latest questions facing political theory, such as the French burqa controversy, ethnic nationalism and the value of research from sociobiology. Accompanying these debates is a wealth of new and thought-provoking case studies for discussion, including (consensual) sadomasochism, affirmative action and same-sex marriage. A new chapter on difference has also been added to complement those on feminism and multiculturalism.

The revised glossary, revamped website for further reading and new streamlined layout make Introduction to Political Theory third edition the perfect accompaniment to undergraduate study.

About this title

From the Back Cover

“A lucid and highly engaging introduction to political theory that is both comprehensive and accessible without being simplistic”

Laura Brace, LeicesterUniversity

 

“A ‘must’ for all students of politics and teachers of political theory. It offers a real feast of theory, covering all the bases, from the philosophical to the ideological and historical”

Jules Townshend, Manchester Metropolitan University

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 political issues. Bringing together classical and contemporary political ideas and ideologies into one book, this new text introduces the major ideologies that have shaped the modern world and the ideas that form the currency of political debate.

 This comprehensive new text relates political ideas to political realities through effective use of examples and cases studies making political theory lively, contentious and relevant. 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

·         An innovative ‘How to Read’ feature helps students to get to grips with primary texts

·         ‘Ideas and Perspectives’ encourage students to appreciate alternative viewpoints

·         Biographies of key political figures provide a useful context to concepts and theories

·         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, further case studies and links to political theory web resources

Professor John Hoffman lectures at LeicesterUniversity

Dr Paul Graham lectures at GlasgowUniversity

Aided by the use of ‘real life’ examples which bring classic as well as contemporary ideas to life, it conveys a real sense of intellectual excitement, challenge and relevance

Val Bryson, HuddersfieldUniversity

 

 

 

 

About the Author

John Hoffman has taught in the Department of Politics, University of Leicester since 1970. He is currently Emeritus Professor of Political Theory, having retired at the end of September 2005. He has written widely on Marxism, feminism and Political Theory, with his most recent book being Citizenship beyond the State, published by Sage in 2004. He is currently working on John Gray and the problem of utopia.

Paul Graham is Senior Lecturer in Politics and Director of Programmes at Buckingham University. He has written on German and Anglo-American Political thought, with published work on John Rawls (Rawls, Oneworld Publishers, 2007) and Karl Heinz Bohrer. He also has a developing interest in sociobiological (Darwinian) approaches to politics.

Edition details

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 1408285924
• ISBN 13: 9781408285923
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Edition number: 3
• Number of pages: 524