Conservatism 101: History, Principles, and Modern Relevance

Course Requirements

• No prior knowledge of conservatism is required.
• An open mind and willingness to explore different viewpoints are encouraged.

Course Description

In the last few years the war of ideologies has gotten more prominent than ever before in history. The word “conservatism” for example, now carries certain connotations to it. Does the word conjure images of tradition, religion, fiscal responsibility, or perhaps social values? With this course, we will help you understand the history as well as the sometimes controversial present of conservative thought.

In this course, you can learn without worrying about dry lectures and jargon because it’s designed to spark lively discussions and critical thinking. We want you to learn difficult concepts in the easiest of ways, and the course is designed to ensure that you get the most comprehensive information in the most palatable form.

So, if you want to not only understand what conservatism is, but also understand the intricacies of the ideology as well as how it impacts our world, then enroll in the course right away!

What will you learn?

• Demystify the essence of conservatism. We will break down the core principles, traditions, values, and beliefs that define conservative thought, exploring its rich and diverse history.
• Witness the global impact of conservative principles. We will take an honest look at how conservative ideas have influenced political systems, social movements, wars, and cultural values across the globe, both historically and in the present day.
• Sharpen your critical thinking skills as a political observer. You will gain the tools to dissect conservative arguments, and evaluate their impact on policy debates.
• Confront the pressing questions facing conservatism today. How is conservatism adapting to a changing world? What are the tensions and challenges within the movement? Where is conservatism headed in the future?

Course Curriculum

Module 1: Introduction to Conservatism

• Lecture 1: What is Conservatism?
• Lecture 2: Why Study Conservatism?

Module 2: Historical Foundations of Conservatism

• Lecture 3: The Enlightenment and the Conservative Response
• Lecture 4: Edmund Burke and the British Conservative Tradition
• Lecture 5: The American Founding and Conservative Influences

Module 3: Core Principles of Conservatism

• Lecture 6: Tradition, Order, and Authority: The Pillars of Conservatism
• Lecture 7: Individualism, Liberty, and Limited Government: The Conservative View
• Lecture 8: Property Rights, Free Markets, and Economic Freedom
• Lecture 9: Moral Values, Social Order, and the Role of Religion

Module 4: Varieties of Conservatism

• Lecture 10: Traditional Conservatism vs. Libertarian Conservatism
• Lecture 11: Social Conservatism vs. Fiscal Conservatism
• Lecture 12: The Rise of Religious Conservatism and its Influence

Module 5: Conservatism and Political Systems

• Lecture 13: The Conservative Party in the UK: History and Ideology
• Lecture 14: The Republican Party in the US: Evolution and Divisions
• Lecture 15: Case Studies: Conservatism in Other Countries

Module 6: Conservatism and Policy Debates

• Lecture 16: Conservative Economic Policy: Supply-Side vs. Keynesianism
• Lecture 17: Social Issues: Abortion, Family Values, and Gender Roles
• Lecture 18: Multiculturalism, Immigration, and National Identity

Who this course is for?

• Students of political science, history, or philosophy
• Anyone interested in understanding conservative ideas and their impact
• Those seeking to engage in informed discussions about political issues

Sound interesting? Enroll now and let’s get started!

Certificate of Completion

Upon successful completion of the course and final assessment, participants will receive a Certificate of Completion from Eduta.