Curricular Unit:			Code:
Theory of State and Public Administration			1142TEAD
Year:	Level:	Course:	Credits:
2	Undergraduate	Political Science and International Relations	6 ects
Learning Period:		Language of Instruction:	Total Hours:
Winter Semester		Portuguese/English	78
Learning Outcomes of the Curricular Unit:
a) To develop knowledge of the main political theories, fundamental concept and principles of the State from Classical Antiquity to the present day, b) To promote the application of knowledge and its understanding by reading author texts; c) To skills in research, selection and interpretation of relevant information within the scope of State theories; d) To acquire self-learning skills to reflection on the subjects taught.
Syllabus:
Part I - The Ethical State: genesis of political thought 1. The historical evolution of the State 1.1. The State in Classical Antiquity 1.2. From feudal State to modern State in the medieval West 1.3. The modern State in Europe: National Monarchies 2. Theories, types and forms of state legitimization 2.1. Divine right of kings: Absolute Monarchies vs. Parliamentary Monarchies 2.2. Natural state 2.3. Social contract 2.4. Rational-legal authority 2.5. The rule of Law 2.6. The welfare state Part II - Theory and Constitutional Forms of State 1. State, rights and forms of power (19th-20th centuries). 1.1. The separation of powers (the inheritance of Ch. Montesquieu) 1.2. The struggle between Freedom and Equality 1.3. Revolution and State 1.4. The modern bureaucratic state: Max Weber 2. Contemporary approaches to State study 2.1. Pluralism 2.2. Marxism 2.3. Institutionalism 2.4. Anarchism 3. State and international system.
Demonstration of the Syllabus Coherence with the Curricular Unit's Objectives:
The syllabus include the state from its origins to the present: a) Promote knowledge of the fundamental principles of the political society called State, its origin, structure, forms, purpose and evolution. b) To explain the origins of the State in a triple dimension: sociological, political and legal; c) To promote a reflexive analysis of the metamorphoses of the State; d) To explain State theories and political forms over time in a comparative way; e) To develop critical analysis skills in the political thought of the authors studied; f) To promote the ability to ask questions and argue about the role of the State in society; g) To develop a critical reading of the main theorists of the State
Teaching Methodologies (Including Evaluation):
The theoretical curricular unit, the lectures, are complemented with the performance of each student, materialized in the accomplishment and presentation of critical reading and recommended bibliographic research. Two written tests (50% + 50%). The final score may be increased by the practical research work (optional) on one of the issues of the syllabus, to a maximum of 20% of the final classification, and for attendance and participation in the classroom. Continuous assessment (two written tests) or final exam.
Demonstration of the Coherence between the Teaching Methodologies and the Learning Outcomes:
Theoretical-practical classes: It is intended to establish a more immediate connection between the theoretical knowledge and its application in practice. The teaching methodology is based on lectures and practical classes of analysis and interpretation of texts about the issues and topics covered.There are several methods used to study ST, among them: Empirical case observation method; inductive method - obtaining generalizations from facts considered in isolation; deductive method - explanation of particular facts or setting of perspectives; and analog method - for comparative case studies.The aim is to analyze political thinking about the State and learn about contemporary theoretical perspectives of the State.
Reading:
Browning, G. (2016). A History of Modern Political Thought. Oxford University Press. Castles, F. G. et al. (2012). The Oxford Handbook of the Welfare State. Oxford. Cohen, M. (2018). Princeton Readings in Political Thought: Essential Texts from Plato to Populism. Princeton University Press. Freitas, J. A. G. de (2020). O Conselho de Estado no Antigo Regime e no Liberalismo. Portugal, Espanha, França. Lisboa: Edições Alêtheia. Heywood, A. (2015). Political Theory. An introduction. London: Palgrave Macmillan. Januário, R. e Gameiro, A. (2017). Da Política. Análise de Direito Constitucional, Ciência Política e Teoria Geral do Estado, Lisboa: Edições Cosmos. Morrow, J. (2019). History of Western Political Thought. London: Springer. Weber, M. (2005). Economia e Sociedade. Fundamentos da Sociologia Compreensiva. 2 vols., UNB.
Lecturer (* Responsible):
Judite Freitas (jfreitas@ufp.edu.pt)