Northern Christian College

The Institution for Better Life

Laoag City

College of Arts, Sciences and Social Works

COURSE SYLABUS

Instructor : AGBAYANI, SANDREX A.

Course Title : Modern Political Theories
Course Code : PS 104
Prerequisite : Introduction to Philippine Government and Politics, Fundamentals of
Political Science, Ancient and Medieval Political Theories
Course Credit : 3 units
Course Description :
This course is basically an introduction to the subfield of political theory. It aims to
examine how political thinkers in early modern era focusing on their complex concepts,
approaches, claims, issues and nuances have structured the contemporary framing of the debates
on the “political”. The discussions in this course are structured to allow students to have a basic
and critical understanding of the various issues and controversies that are discussed by political
thinkers today.

Course Competencies:

After completing the course, the students are expected to manifest the following competencies:

I. INFORMATION LITERACY

To know the rigors of the subfield of early modern political theory
To be familiar with those main political thinkers and their theories which
constitute the “Canon” of political theory
 To learn how to frame and problematize political issues and controversies
II. CRITICAL THINKING

 To have the ability to understand and appreciate theoretical and philosophical

discussions from books, texts, or articles on political theory.
 To have the capacity to frame questions on and write papers about the
evolution of political theorizing.


III. COMMUNICATION CAPABILITY

 To have aptitude to identify and appreciate concepts, approaches, claims,

issues and nuances in political theory
 To be a proactive individual particularly at the ideational level of any political
engagement.
 Discuss the institution’s VMGO orally

IV. CULTURAL AND SOCIAL AWARENESS AND RESPONSIBILITY

 To be aware of the various political issues across time that shaped the sub-
discipline of political theory
 Acknowledge the complex nature of Political Science as an academic field
 Develop one’s ability in giving honor and dignity to the State as a citizen of
the Philippines.
 V. CHRISTIAN CHARACTER

 Practice the following values: faith in God, appreciating the history of the
Philippines, fairness in judgment, will power, and positive attitudes toward
negative experiences.
 Show Christian core values most especially the love for God, forgiveness of
sins, unconditional love, and renunciation of violence while dealing with the
different facets of the teaching and learning process

VI. ETHICAL AND RESPONSIBLE USE OF TECHNOLOGY

 Assume responsibility and proper handling of school equipment and property.

 Exhibit intellectual honesty and stewardship in the use of technology in the
learning process
 Develop patriotism, nationalism and the love to citizenry and the State.
 Active awareness on socio-political conditions.

VII. GENDER RESPECT

 Manifest respect for different genders in one’s speech and action.

 Appreciate differences in the nature of genders while at the same time
acknowledging equality in abilities and potentials.
 Value the contributions of all persons, regardless of gender.

Topics Outline:
1. Getting-to-Know-you
VMGO Orientation
Syllabus
Setting House Rules
2. Niccolo Machiavelli
3. Thomas Hobbes
4. John Locke
5. David Hume
6. Jean-Jacques Rouusseau
7. Edward Burke
8. Jeremy Bentham
9. John Stuart Mill
10. G.W.F. Hegel
11. Karl Marx

Grading System and Requirements:

Category
1. Major Exams
Preliminary 10%
Midterm 15%
Semi-Finals 5%
Finals 15%
2. Projects/Outputs 10%
3. Class Participation/Recitation 10%
4. Quizzes and Assignments 15%
5. Written and Oral Presentations 20%
Total 100%