This course introduces students to the development of modern political philosophy
through the analysis of selected works of such writers as Hobbes, Locke, Hume,
Rousseau, Kant, Mill, Marx, and Nietzsche.  Students will study the strategies of
argument, analysis, and persuasion employed by these theorists to justify their central 
claims, as well as the political and historical significance of the doctrines that
their works develop.  A central focus of the course is the development of the
contractarian account of political legitimacy in the social contract theories of
Hobbes, Locke, and Rousseau.  Throughout the course, students will demonstrate their 
understanding through a critical examination of arguments developed in the relevant
texts, they will learn theories of legitimacy and justice and how to evaluate them,
they will practice their critical thinking, analytic, and problem-solving skills, and
they will, in their written work and participation in class discussions, learn to apply 
these skills to ethical, legal, and political issues and to problems in the
community.  Students may be evaluated based on examinations, research papers, class
participation, presentations, and/or homework.

POSSIBLE TOPICS
Legitimacy
Toleration
Pluralism
Social Contract Theory
Theories of Justice
Rights Theory
Constitutionalism
The General Will
The Logic of Collective Action
Game Theory
Social Choice Theory
Moral Skepticism
Separation of Powers
Checks and Balances
Adaptive Preferences
Class Consciousness
Alienation Theory