Introducción a la teoría política from Coursera

El objetivo de este curso de ciencias políticas es la presentación de la historia de la teoría política desde sus comienzos con Platón hasta la obra de Jürgen Habermas.

Este curso online expone, por tanto, las teorías de los principales autores del canon tradicional de la teoría política y se vale de ellos para explicar la aparición y el desarrollo de los conceptos políticos centrales a lo largo de la historia.

Para poder hacerlo con eficacia, algunos de nuestros módulos se centran sobre los factores contextuales, aportan una síntesis de los principales periodos y abordan los problemas derivados de las posibles interpretaciones de los diferentes autores, así como el valor político actual de sus teorías.

En lo relativo a la metodología y el enfoque adoptado, el curso sobre pensamientos políticos aspira a ser simple y directo, dinámico y entretenido. No se busca a una exposición comprehensiva, sino a presentar los rasgos principales de las teorías y cómo conectan unas con otras.

Este curso en línea puede ser usado como apoyo de aprendizaje para estudiantes de ciencias políticas, sociología y humanidades, pero puede ser también de gran interés para cualquier ciudadano interesado en temas políticos.

What's inside

Syllabus

Desde el Mundo Griego a la Edad Media

Este módulo presenta una introducción a la teoría política desde el Mundo Griego a Roma y la Edad Media. Se ofrece una visión de conjunto sobre los principales autores de este periodo: desde Platón y Aristóteles, hasta Cicerón y Agustín de Hipona.

De la Edad Media al Renacimiento

Este módulo sigue introduciendo la teoría política de la Edad Media, empezando desde Tomás de Aquino y Marsilio de Padua, y continúa hasta el Renacimiento con Nicolás Maquiavelo. Se ofrece una visión de conjunto sobre el pensamiento político de los autores.

La teoría del Estado y el contrato social

Este módulo introduce la teoría política de Thomas Hobbes, en particular examinando la justificación del Estado, y de John Locke, profundizando en los núcleos fundamentales del liberalismo. Se ofrece una visión de conjunto sobre el pensamiento político de los autores, de las principales obras, y de las teorías que han formulado.

Después de la Revolución francesa

Este módulo presenta una visión general de la Ilustración y sus principales autores en la teoría política. Se ofrece una visión de conjunto sobre la perspectiva revolucionaria y conservadora que ha interesado al siglo XVII.

Modelos de Igualdad y Estado social

Este módulo presenta una visión general de la teoría social diferenciada por liberalismo y socialismo en las principales perspectivas de la teoría política. Se ofrece una visión de conjunto sobre democracia y libertad que ha interesado al siglo XIX.

La Teoría Política en la Edad Contemporánea

Este módulo presenta el marco general de la disputa política e intelectual entre liberalismo y marxismo como consecuencia de la Guerra Fría. Se ofrece una visión de conjunto sobre desigualdad y participación política que ha interesado al siglo XX.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explora la historia de la teoría política desde sus inicios con Platón hasta la obra de Jürgen Habermas

Presenta las teorías de los principales autores del canon tradicional de la teoría política

Explica la aparición y el desarrollo de los conceptos políticos centrales a lo largo de la historia

Se vale de los autores para contextualizar y explicar las teorías políticas

Aborda los problemas derivados de las posibles interpretaciones de los diferentes autores

Analiza el valor político actual de las teorías de los autores

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Introducción a la teoría política with these activities:

Review summarizing techniques

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Summarizing is a valuable skill for retaining information from the course. Complete this activity before the course begins to refresh your existing summarizing skills.

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Review lecture notes from a previous course
Watch videos on summarizing techniques
Summarize a nonfiction article

Join a political science club or organization

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Joining a political science club or organization is a great way to meet other students who share your interests and to get involved in extracurricular activities.

Browse courses on Political Science

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Research political science clubs and organizations on campus
Attend a meeting of a club or organization
Join a club or organization

Read 'The Prince' by Machiavelli

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'The Prince' is a classic work of political theory that will provide you with valuable insights into the nature of power and the art of governance.

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Purchase or borrow a copy of the book
Read the book
Summarize the key arguments of the book

Five other activities

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Join a study group

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Regularly discussing course materials can help reinforce your understanding. Start a study group with the course begins so that you can meet your study group regularly.

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Reach out to classmates
Set up a regular meeting schedule
Review lecture notes together

Write a summary of each lecture

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Writing is a great way to process and retain new information. After each lecture, write a concise summary of the key points.

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Take detailed notes during the lecture
Review your notes after the lecture
Write a summary of the key points

Volunteer for a political campaign or organization

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Volunteering for a political campaign or organization is a great way to get involved in the political process and to learn about different political issues.

Browse courses on Politics

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Research political campaigns and organizations
Contact a campaign or organization
Volunteer for a campaign or organization

Design a political system

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This activity will challenge you to apply the concepts you learn in the course to a real-world problem. By designing your own political system, you will gain a deeper understanding of the factors that influence political decision-making.

Browse courses on Political Theory

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Research different political systems
Identify the key elements of a political system
Design your own political system

Attend a conference or workshop on political theory

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Attending a conference or workshop is a great way to learn from experts in the field and to network with other students and professionals.

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Research upcoming conferences and workshops
Register for a conference or workshop
Attend the conference or workshop

Career center

Learners who complete Introducción a la teoría política will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Political Analyst

Political analysts help organizations and individuals understand the political landscape. They examine political trends, predict election outcomes, and advise clients on how to navigate the political environment. This course may be useful for aspiring political analysts because it provides a foundation in political theory and history. The course can help analysts develop a deeper understanding of the concepts and theories that shape political decision-making.

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Legislative Aide

Legislative aides assist legislators with their daily work, including drafting legislation, conducting research, and meeting with constituents. This course may be useful for aspiring legislative aides because it provides a foundation in political theory and history. The course can help aides develop a deeper understanding of the legislative process and the political issues that legislators face.

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Policy Analyst

Policy analysts research and analyze public policy issues. They develop recommendations for policymakers and help to evaluate the effectiveness of existing policies. This course may be useful for aspiring policy analysts because it provides a foundation in political theory and history. The course can help analysts develop a deeper understanding of the policymaking process and the political factors that influence policy decisions.

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Political Consultant

Political consultants advise candidates and political organizations on campaign strategy and messaging. They help to develop campaign platforms, conduct polls, and raise funds. This course may be useful for aspiring political consultants because it provides a foundation in political theory and history. The course can help consultants develop a deeper understanding of the political process and the factors that influence voter behavior.

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Public Affairs Specialist

Public affairs specialists represent organizations to the public and government. They develop and implement public relations campaigns, manage media relations, and lobby for legislation. This course may be useful for aspiring public affairs specialists because it provides a foundation in political theory and history. The course can help specialists develop a deeper understanding of the political process and the factors that influence public opinion.

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Grant Writer

Grant writers develop and submit grant proposals to government agencies and private foundations. They research funding opportunities, write compelling proposals, and manage the grant application process. This course may be useful for aspiring grant writers because it provides a foundation in political theory and history. The course can help writers develop a deeper understanding of the policymaking process and the factors that influence funding decisions.

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Journalist

Journalists research, write, and report on current events. They cover a wide range of topics, including politics, economics, crime, and social issues. This course may be useful for aspiring journalists because it provides a foundation in political theory and history. The course can help journalists develop a deeper understanding of the political landscape and the factors that influence news coverage.

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Teacher

Teachers educate students in a variety of subjects, including political science, history, and social studies. They develop lesson plans, deliver instruction, and assess student learning. This course may be useful for aspiring teachers because it provides a foundation in political theory and history. The course can help teachers develop a deeper understanding of the content they teach and the pedagogical methods that are most effective.

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Researcher

Researchers conduct original research on a variety of topics, including political science, public policy, and international relations. They collect data, analyze results, and publish their findings in academic journals and books. This course may be useful for aspiring researchers because it provides a foundation in political theory and history. The course can help researchers develop the skills they need to design and conduct research projects.

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Nonprofit Manager

Nonprofit managers oversee the operations of nonprofit organizations. They develop and implement strategic plans, manage staff, and raise funds. This course may be useful for aspiring nonprofit managers because it provides a foundation in political theory and history. The course can help managers develop a deeper understanding of the policymaking process and the factors that influence funding decisions.

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Archivist

Archivists preserve and manage historical documents and artifacts. They work in a variety of settings, including libraries, museums, and government agencies. This course may be useful for aspiring archivists because it provides a foundation in political theory and history. The course can help archivists develop a deeper understanding of the historical context of the documents and artifacts they preserve.

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Historian

Historians research, analyze, and interpret the past. They write books, articles, and other publications about a variety of historical topics. This course may be useful for aspiring historians because it provides a foundation in political theory and history. The course can help historians develop a deeper understanding of the historical context of the events they study.

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Lawyer

Lawyers advise clients on legal matters, represent them in court, and draft legal documents. This course may be useful for aspiring lawyers because it provides a foundation in political theory and history. The course can help lawyers develop a deeper understanding of the legal system and the political factors that influence legal decision-making.

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Economist

Economists study the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services. They develop economic models, analyze data, and make predictions about the economy. This course may be useful for aspiring economists because it provides a foundation in political theory and history. The course can help economists develop a deeper understanding of the political factors that influence economic decision-making.

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Sociologist

Sociologists study the social behavior and interactions of human beings. They conduct research on a variety of topics, including social inequality, crime, and education. This course may be useful for aspiring sociologists because it provides a foundation in political theory and history. The course can help sociologists develop a deeper understanding of the social context of the phenomena they study.

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