Teaching Political Theory

A Pluralistic Approach

Elgar Guides to Teaching

Nicholas Tampio, Professor of Political Science, Fordham University, US

Political theory deals with profound questions about human nature, political principles, and the limits of knowledge. In Teaching Political Theory, Nicholas Tampio shows how political theorists may take a pluralistic approach to help students investigate the deepest levels of political life.

‘This book is exceptionally impressive in its breadth – contemporary and historical, Western and non-Western, analytical and critical/continental. This is the future of political theory.’
– Adrian Blau, King's College London, UK

‘This book is an innovative call for political theorists to pluralize their teaching styles, offering practical tips to broaden our pedagogical horizons. Embracing an astonishingly wide range of texts and traditions with precision, energy, and ease, Nicholas Tampio not only practices the pluralism he preaches but he also shares a wealth of suggestions to keep pace with our changing times. With his finger on the pulse of the latest developments in political theory, this is also a spirited defense of political theory as a discipline with teaching needs all its own.’
– Katherine Goktepe, Yasar University, Turkey

‘In this book, Nicholas Tampio presents an innovative example of teaching Chinese political thought. By meticulously tracing the philosophical and political origins of the Chinese philosophers and creatively engaging them in conversation with their Western peers, Nicholas Tampio methodically demonstrates that a comparative approach in teaching classical Chinese philosophy can recast our view of how Chinese philosophy engages political issues across space and time. The book will be a welcome source for anyone interested in teaching Chinese and comparative political theory.’
– Peng Yu, Earlham College, US

‘It is rare to encounter a text that is both intellectually engaging and carefully and sensitively crafted around the challenges of teaching political theory. The book is exceptionally creative, the writing is excellent, and the approach is admirably broad and global. Nicholas Tampio, a current editor of the journal Comparative Political Theory, incorporates the best features of this broad approach into his teaching and his writing about teaching.’
– Jeffrey C. Isaac, Indiana University, US

‘This book offers a comprehensive understanding of African American and Indian thinkers. Tampio does a wonderful job of setting them side by side to provide a comparative frame. I loved reading this text.’
– Anindya Sekhar Purkayastha, Kazi Nazrul University, India