This course will focus on political ideology: ideas about what goals governments and society should pursue and how to pursue those goals. Major themes will include liberalism, socialism, communism, fascism, anarchism, and libertarianism.
Athena Title
Political Ideologies
Prerequisite
POLS 1101 or POLS 1101E or POLS 1101H or POLS 1101S
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Student learning Outcomes
Students will develop a substantive background on the evolution of political ideologies in the centuries following the Renaissance to foster critical thought about political ideology, the nature of government, and the politics of our time.
Students will understand competing explanations for why political ideologies have formed in society.
Students will compare and contrast the core tenets motivating the major political ideologies of today.
Students will distinguish between the variations found within the major ideological groups.
Students will measure political ideology at the individual and societal levels.
Students will explain the influence of ideology on political attitudes and preferences.
Topical Outline
Week 1: Introduction to Political Ideologies
Week 2: Political Ideology in Historical Context
Week 3: Anarchism
Week 4 - 6: Liberalism
Week 7 and 8: Socialism
Week 9 and 10: Communism
Week 11: Libertarianism
Week 12: Fascism
Week 13: Nationalism
Week 14: Feminism
Week 15: Political Ideology and the Democratic Ideal
Institutional Competencies Learning Outcomes
Critical Thinking
The ability to pursue and comprehensively evaluate information before accepting or establishing a conclusion, decision, or action.
