Introduction to Political Theory Course | IIT Guwahati | Prof. Mithilesh Kumar Jha
Course Details
| Exam Registration | 248 |
|---|---|
| Course Status | Ongoing |
| Course Type | Core |
| Language | English |
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Categories | Humanities and Social Sciences |
| Credit Points | 3 |
| Level | Undergraduate |
| Start Date | 19 Jan 2026 |
| End Date | 10 Apr 2026 |
| Enrollment Ends | 02 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Registration Ends | 20 Feb 2026 |
| Exam Date | 26 Apr 2026 IST |
| NCrF Level | 4.5 — 8.0 |
Introduction to Political Theory: A Foundational Course from IIT Guwahati
In an era of complex global and domestic politics, the ability to critically analyze power, rights, and justice is more valuable than ever. The Introduction to Political Theory course, offered by the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, provides a rigorous 12-week journey into the essential concepts that shape our political world. Designed for undergraduate students and lifelong learners, this course demystifies the foundational ideas that underpin democracies and societies across the globe.
Course Overview and Instructor Profile
This comprehensive course is led by Prof. Mithilesh Kumar Jha from the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at IIT Guwahati. Prof. Jha is a distinguished scholar with expertise in comparative political thought (Indian and Western), political theory, and Indian politics. His acclaimed publications, such as Language Politics and Public Sphere in North India published by Oxford University Press, bring a rich, nuanced perspective to the study of political ideas and their real-world implications.
The primary objective is to introduce students to the key contested concepts of politics—like liberty, equality, and justice—that are inevitable for understanding any society. By exploring the debates surrounding these ideas, the course empowers students to develop independent, critical judgments about politics and democracy in their own contexts and the world at large.
Who Should Enroll?
This course is ideally suited for:
- Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate (PG) students of Humanities and Social Sciences.
- Students from Science and Engineering backgrounds seeking to understand the societal and ethical dimensions of their work.
- Any curious learner interested in building a strong foundational understanding of political philosophy and theory.
Detailed 12-Week Course Layout
The course is meticulously structured to build understanding week by week, connecting interrelated concepts.
| Week | Core Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Week 1 | Political Theory: Introduction & Liberty |
| Week 2 | Liberty & Equality |
| Week 3 | Equality & Rights |
| Week 4 | Rights & Justice |
| Week 5 | Justice (Deep Dive) |
| Week 6 | Power |
| Week 7 | State and Sovereignty - I |
| Week 8 | State and Sovereignty - II |
| Week 9 | Democracy |
| Week 10 | Citizenship |
| Week 11 | Politics & Environmental Ethics - I |
| Week 12 | Politics & Environmental Ethics - II & Concluding Lecture |
Key Learning Objectives and Outcomes
By the end of this 12-week program, participants will:
- Grasp the meaning, evolution, and contestations around core political concepts.
- Understand the relationship between ideas like liberty vs. equality and rights vs. justice.
- Analyze different theories of the state, power, and sovereignty.
- Engage with classical and contemporary debates on democracy and citizenship.
- Apply political theory to modern challenges such as environmental ethics.
- Develop a framework for critical thinking about political events and ideologies.
Essential Reading and Reference Materials
The course curriculum is supported by a robust reading list from seminal texts in political theory, ensuring academic depth. Key references include:
- Catriona McKinnon (ed.), Issues in Political Theory
- John Hoffman & Paul Graham, Introduction to Political Theory
- Gerald Gaus, Political Concepts and Political Theories
- Rajeev Bhargava and Ashok Acharya (eds.), Political Theory: An Introduction
- Will Kymlicka, Contemporary Political Philosophy: An Introduction
- Robert A. Dahl, Democracy and Its Critique
- John Rawls, A Theory of Justice
- Amartya Sen, The Idea of Justice
Why Study Political Theory?
Political theory is not an abstract exercise; it is the toolkit for deciphering the world. It helps us question why societies are organized the way they are, what we mean by a "good society," and how we can address injustices. Whether you're a future engineer, scientist, policymaker, or entrepreneur, understanding these principles enables you to comprehend the broader impact of your work and your role as an informed citizen in a democratic polity.
This IIT Guwahati course offers a unique opportunity to gain these insights from a top-tier institution and an expert instructor, providing a solid foundation for advanced studies or simply a more enlightened engagement with the world of politics.
Enroll Now →