Introduction to Contemporary Thought

Presentation

This Curricular Unit aims to address the major paradigms of contemporary thought inserted in their historical contexts, evolutionary manner. At the same time wants to convey knowledge of interdisciplinary character which enable students to obtain tools for a better understanding of contemporaneity.

Programme

Applied Communication

Level of Qualification|Semesters|ECTS

| Semestral | 5

Year | Type of course unit | Language

1 |Mandatory |Português

Code

ULP1652-117

Recommended complementary curricular units

History of Media

Sociology of Media

Professional Internship

Não

Syllabus

1.- Greco - Jewish - Christians foundations of Western thought.

2 - The euphoria of reason and scientific progress.

3- The evolution of political thought (Hobbes, Locke, Montesquieu, Rousseau).

4-. Economic liberalism, from Adam Smith to Milton Friedman.

5- Liberal Socialism and Marxism.

6- The crisis of modernity and rationalistic optimism (Nietzche and Freud)

7- Post-industrial thinking. The information age.

8 - Diversity and multiculturalism: mass culture and globalization.

Objectives

This Course aims to transmit knowledge to the understanding of the great currents that have influenced and influencing the contemporary world. Also aims to provide the students with tools that allow them to have an analytical and reflective thinking suited to larger problems of contemporary thought. And yet, empower students to construct a coherent, structured theoretical discourse and strict about contemporaneity.

Teaching methodologies and assessment

The method is theoretical and practical. Is based on the presentation of content matter, using whenever pertinent text reading and analysis, so that students participation in discussing the presented issues may be encouraged. Evaluation takes into account the participation in the classes throughout the semester, one written test and a work. The final assessment must be 10 or more.

Practices of pedagogical innovation - classes in live streaming are foreseen in this UC.

References

Amaral, D.F. (2012). História do Pensamento Político Ocidental. Coimbra: Almedina.

AA.VV. (2014). Pensamento crítico contemporâneo. Lisboa: Edições 70.

Baudrillard, R. (2003).  A Sociedade de Consumo. Lisboa: Edições 70.

Bauman, Z. (1991). Modernidade e Ambivalência. Lisboa: Relógio d¿Água.

Freitas, D. (2012). História do Pensamento Ocidental.  Coimbra: Almedina.

Fukuyama, F. (1999). O fim da História e o último homem. Lisboa: Gradiva.

Neves, F.S. (2007). Introdução ao Pensamento Contemporâneo. Lisboa: Edições Lusófonas.

Office Hours