GV4F5 Half Unit
Advanced Study of Key Political Thinkers
This information is for the 2025/26 session.
Course Convenor
Dr Bruno Leipold
Availability
This course is available on the MA in Modern History and MSc in Political Theory. This course is freely available as an outside option to students on other programmes where regulations permit. It does not require permission. This course uses controlled access as part of the course selection process.
How to apply: to apply for a place on this course, please write a short statement of 200 words (max) outlining the specific reasons for applying and how the course will benefit your academic/career goals. Priority will be given to students on the programmes listed in the ‘availability’ section of the course guide. You should check that you meet any pre-requisites in the course guide before applying (where applicable). Places on capped courses cannot be guaranteed.
Deadline for application: The deadline for applications is 12:00 noon on Friday 26 September 2025. You can expect to be informed of the outcome of your application by 12:00 noon on Monday 29 September 2025. Any places remaining after this date will be allocated based on priority and written statement - up until course selection closes.
For queries contact: gov.msc@lse.ac.uk
This course is capped at 1 group.
Requisites
Additional requisites:
An advanced undergraduate course in the History of Political Thought or Political Philosophy, or following consultation with the course teacher.
Course content
This course provides an opportunity to study the works of one political thinker in-depth. The investigation will situate this thinker in their political and theoretical context but also explore how subsequent scholars understood and employed their ideas. The seminar will therefore blend intellectual history and political theory. This year the course will focus on Jean-Jacques Rousseau and cover his principal political writings, including the Discourse on the Origin and the Foundations of Inequality, The Social Contract and Considerations on the Government of Poland.
Teaching
20 hours of seminars in the Autumn Term.
This course has a reading week in Week 6 of Autumn Term.
Formative assessment
Essay (1500 words)
Students will be encouraged to submit one formative essay of no more than 1,500 words.
Indicative reading
Rousseau, The Discourses and Other Early Political Writings, (Cambridge University Press, 2019)
Rousseau, The Social Contract and Other Later Political Writings (Cambridge University Press, 2019)
Assessment
Essay (100%, 3000 words) in Spring Term Week 2
Key facts
Department: Government
Course Study Period: Autumn Term
Unit value: Half unit
FHEQ Level: Level 7
CEFR Level: Null
Keywords: Political Theory, Intellectual History
Total students 2024/25: 13
Average class size 2024/25: 13
Controlled access 2024/25: YesCourse selection videos
Some departments have produced short videos to introduce their courses. Please refer to the course selection videos index page for further information.
Personal development skills
- Self-management
- Problem solving
- Application of information skills
- Communication