Course Description

The first two-thirds of the course is a selective survey of the history of Western political thought covering works by Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, and Marx, among others. The final one-third of the course introduces students to John Rawls’s A Theory of Justice and other works of contemporary political theory.

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Athena Title

Intro to Political Theory

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Equivalent Courses

Not open to students with credit in POLS 3000, POLS 3000H

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Non-Traditional Format

This course will be taught 95% or more online.

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Prerequisite

POLS 1101 or POLS 1101E or POLS 1101H or POLS 1101S

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Grading System

A - F (Traditional)

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Student Learning Outcomes

• Students will develop skills of careful and thoughtful reading of political thought.
• Students will develop a sense of history which is necessary for an adequate understanding of political life.
• Students will develop the ability to think analytically, critically, and creatively about political concepts and ideas.
• Students will consider how the problems, concepts, and arguments examined might be of significance today and challenge our own way of thinking about politics.

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Topical Outline

• 1. Democracy in ancient Athens 2. Plato 3. Aristotle 4. Hobbes 5. Locke 6. Rousseau 7. Bentham 8. Mill 9. Marx 10. Rawls

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Institutional Competencies

Critical Thinking

The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.

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Syllabus

Select Faculty / Instructor to download syllabus:   Slane, Elliot   Slane, Elliot

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