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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "PL 210"
COURSE NAME: "Introduction to Political Theory"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Summer Session I 2019
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Pamela Harris
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: MTWTH 1:30-3:20 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS: M-Th 2-4

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
An introduction to the history of political thought, from Ancient Greece to the 19th century. Through a close reading of selected canonical texts, students will examine the evolution of ideas about democracy, liberty, equality, justice, political authority, the social contract, different conceptions of human nature and the role of the individual in society. The theorists examined may include Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, de Tocqueville and John Stuart Mill.
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
1.    Introduction: What is Political Theory?
2.    Plato
3.    Aristotle
4.    Romans and Christians
5.    Machiavelli
6.    Social Contract Theory: Hobbes, Locke
7.    American political thought: Madison, Jefferson, Adams
8.    de Tocqueville
9.    John Stuart Mill
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
•Understanding of the evolution of ideas about democracy, liberty, equality and the role of the state, in light of different views of human nature and the role of the individual in society.
•Ability to make a cogent written argument interpreting and comparing basic texts in the history of political theory.
•Ability to apply basic arguments in the history of political theory to analyze contemporary political issues.
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
The RepublicPlatoPenguin 9780140455113     
The PoliticsAristotleOxford978-0199538737     
On Liberty and the Subjection of WomenJohn Stuart MillPenguin 978-0141441474     
The Prince Machiavelli, (Tim Parks, translation)Penguin 978-0141442259     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Plato/Aristotle paper 20%
Midterm examination 30%
Final examination 40%
Class Participation 10%

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course.
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.

-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Attendance is a fundamental component of your class participation grade. More than two absences will directly affect your class participation grade (and indirectly affect your other assessments).
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.

SCHEDULE

Week 1   Introduction; PLATO, The Republic
Week 2   ARISTOTLE, The Politics; ROMANS AND CHRISTIANS; Plato and Aristotle Paper
Week 3   MACHIAVELLI, The Prince and Discourses; MIDTERM 
Week 4   SOCIAL CONTRACT THEORY (Hobbes, Locke); AMERICAN POLITICAL THEORY (Madison, Jefferson, Adams)
Week 5   DE TOCQUEVILLE, Democracy in America; MILL, On the Subjection of Women, On Liberty
             FINAL REVIEW and EXAMINATION