Political Theory

Code	17519
Year	3
Semester	S1
ECTS Credits	6
Workload	TP(45H)
Scientific area	Communication Sciences
Entry requirements	No prerequisites
Learning outcomes	Objectives: (1) Acquire knowledge about a set of concepts and tools that belong to the field of political theory; (2) Understand the various dimensions of scientific communication of the political phenomenon; (3) Learn about the main themes and issues that animate contemporary political and social reflection, as well as formulate critical and scientific judgements about them; (4) Reflect, argue and debate critically on the problem of political information and its importance in democracy; (5) Develop skills and interest in the public debate of ideas. The syllabus content has been defined according to the objectives of the course unit. Objectives 1 and 2 will be achieved through the theoretical and practical discussion topics in module 1 (Political Theory and Communication). Objectives 3, 4 and 5 will be addressed in the theoretical and practical topics in module 2 (The Themes and Issues of Contemporary Politics in Democracy).
Syllabus	Introduction to the CU - Presentation of the CU - Practical group work Module 1: Political Theory and Communication 1.1. Political theory and its ideologies 1.2. Political theory in action and the media in politics 1.3. Communication of theoretical and scientific knowledge about politics Module 2: Themes and Issues in Contemporary Politics in Democracy 2.1. The crisis of democracy 2.2. Populism 2.3. Technology and politics
Main Bibliography	Berman, S. (2021) Dahlgren, P. (2001) Diaz Ruiz, C., & Nilsson, T. (2023) Dryzek, J. S., Honig, B., & Phillips, A. (2009) Hartmann, D., Wang, S. M., Pohlmann, L., & Berendt, B. (2025) Jaume, L. (2013) Joshi, D. K. (2021) Jungherr, A. (2016) Levitsky, S., & Ziblatt, D. (2018) Lobo, M. C. (2018) Magalhães, P. C. (2023) Morlino, L., Berg-Schlosser, D., & Badie, B. (2017) Mudde, C., & Kaltwasser, C. R. (2017) Salgado, S. (2023) Woodcock, P. (2020) Zúquete, J. P., & Pimenta, D. (2025)
Teaching Methodologies and Assessment Criteria	Assessment will be carried out on a discrete basis, consisting of four components and always presented on a scale of 0 to 20 points: 1. Six ‘quick tests’ (20%) in the form of five items/questions with only two possible answers: true (T) or false (F). 2. A practical group assignment (4-5 members per group) (20%), consisting of the presentation and development of an academic-scientific poster. 3. Two written ‘module tests’ without consultation (50%). 4. Participation (10%).
Language	Portuguese. Tutorial support is available in English.