Introduction to Political Theory

A lucid and highly engaging introduction to political theory that is both comprehensive and accessible without being simplistic”Laura Brace, LeicesterUniversityA ‘must' for all students of politics and teachers of political theory. It offers a real feast of theory, covering all the bases, from the philosophical to the ideological and historical”Jules Townshend, Manchester Metropolitan UniversityIntroduction to Political Theory is a text for the 21st century. It shows students why an understanding of theory is crucial to an understanding of political issues. Bringing together classical and contemporary political ideas and ideologies into one book, this new text introduces the major ideologies that have shaped the modern world and the ideas that form the currency of political debate.This comprehensive new text relates political ideas to political realities through effective use of examples and cases studies making political theory lively, contentious and relevant. A wide range of pedagogical features helps to clarify, extend and apply students' understanding of the fundamental ideologies and concepts. This is comprised of:+ Case studies demonstrate how political ideas, concepts and issues manifest in the real world+ An innovative ‘How to Read' feature helps students to get to grips with primary texts+ ‘Ideas and Perspectives' encourage students to appreciate alternative viewpoints+ Biographies of key political figures provide a useful context to concepts and theories+ A range of thought provoking photographs challenge students to examine concepts from a different angle+ Suggestions for further reading and weblinks are also provided to help students to further their understandingIntroduction to Political Theory is accompanied by an innovative website with Multiple Choice Questions, further case studies and links to political theory web resourcesProfessor John Hoffman lectures at LeicesterUniversityDr Paul Graham lectures at GlasgowUniversityAided by the use of ‘real life' examples which bring classic as well as contemporary ideas to life, it conveys a real sense of intellectual excitement, challenge and relevanceVal Bryson, HuddersfieldUniversityHoffman, John is the author of 'Introduction to Political Theory ', published 2006 under ISBN 9780582473737 and ISBN 058247373X.