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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "PL 210-2"
COURSE NAME: "Introduction to Political Theory"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2022
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Gabriele Simoncini
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: MW 6:00 PM 7:15 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS:
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:
This course covers the development of political theory and the major political theorists from the classical times to the modern era. Attention is given to the various articulations of political thought including ethics, morals, society and state organization, the rule of law, and the science of politics.  The foundations for the formation of the modern nation state are analyzed.  The course covers major political thinkers including Plato, Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Hegel, and Marx.  Modern absolutism, Enlightenment, and Romanticism will be covered.  The concepts of natural rights, general will, and individualism will be studied. Ideologies are treated including Liberalism, Nationalism, Communism and their articulations.  Utopia, revolution, and the production of totalitarianism are the conclusive topics of the program.  Major political and scholarly interpretations of thinkers, schools of thought, and periods covered will be considered.  The class format includes lectures, discussion, team work, presentations, and audiovisual materials.  The students will be asked to produce a research project, making extensive personal use of information and communication technology.  Guest speakers and field trips are planned.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Students will develop the ability to critically analyze the evolution and the diversity of political speculation.  They will be able to relate theories and thinkers with political structures, players, and phenomena within the western and global political context.  Students will develop ability to conduct basic research, and organize and present their findings in logical and independent way.
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
An Invitation to Political ThoughtDeutsch K. L., Fornieri J. R.Thomson, 2009100534545637     
A History of Political TheorySabine G. H., Thorson T. L.,Chicago, 19800039102831     
Classics of Moral and Political TheoryMorgan M. L. (Ed.)08722077730872207773     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberComments
The History of Political Thought in National ContextCastiglione D., Hampsher-Monk L.Cambridge, 20110521174937  
History of Political PhilosophyStrauss L.U. of Chicago, 20090226777103  
Political Thinkers: From Socrates to the PresentBoucher D., Kelly P.Oxford, 20100199215529   

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberComments
History of Political Thought: From Antiquity to the PresentHaddock B.Polity, 2008745640850  
The Oxford Handbook of the History of Political PhilosophyKlosko G.Oxford 20110199238804  
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Class participationRegular attendance and active participation in class is required. Attendance requirements: A maximum of four absences are allowed throughout the semester. Any additional absence will result in a penalization of one grade level (e.g.: from B+ to B for five absences, B+ to B- for six absences, B+ to C+ for seven absences, etc.). Two latenesses count for one absence. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class by calling students’ names. Students not answering will be marked absent. Students arrived late will ask the instructor to be marked late at the end of the class, after which attendance records will not be modified. Use of Computers in class: The use of personal computers and technological devices in class is not permitted except for taking notes, or contributing to class activity during designated times. Students not respecting the rule will be penalized by getting no points in the Class Participation requirement (worth 10% of the final grade). Recording and filming in class is not allowed.10%
Midterm examThe midterm and final exam have the same format. The exams consist of two parts of equal value. The first part is an essay, the student will choose from one of three proposed themes, and will write a well-organized essay. The second part of the exam consists of ten terms to be concisely defined.20%
Presentation and other assignmentsIn-class Presentation: Students are required give a short individual or team presentation on a specific topic of their choice, approved by the instructor and related to the class program. The presentation will be well-organized, concise, and include (when opportune) audiovisual and electronic materials. A draft presentation must be submitted to the instructor before presenting in class. An electronic version of the presentation must be given to the instructor in class, in person, during any of the last three classes. Files send by email are not accepted. The deadline is the last class. No materials will be accepted past the deadline. 15%
Final exam The midterm and final exam have the same format. The exams consist of two parts of equal value. The first part is an essay, the student will choose from one of three proposed themes, and will write a well-organized essay. The second part of the exam consists of ten terms to be concisely defined.25%
Final project with portfolioFinal Project: The final paper (3,000 words) will be on any topic of the student’s choice related to the class program. The topic should be precisely defined and worthy of investigation. An electronic version of the project must be given to the instructor in class, in person, during any of the last three classes. Files sent by email are not accepted. The deadline is the last class. No materials will be accepted past the deadline. To produce the final project, students will receive written instructions in class. During the semester, students will show the instructor their final project work in progress and receive checks. Portfolio: In order to produce their final papers, students will keep a portfolio of research materials during the semester. The portfolio will be shared with, and evaluated by the instructor. The production of the final paper is a work in progress during the semester. The portfolio and the paper project are progressive steps toward completion of the final paper. A portfolio containing samples of reference materials must be attached to the final project.30%
Letter grades correspond to the numerical scale:Letter grades correspond to the numerical scale: A to A- = 100% to 90%. B+ to B- = 89% to 80%. C+ to C- = 79% to 70%. D+ to D- = 69% to 60%. F = <60%.  

-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 cou
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:

A maximum of four absences are allowed throughout the semester.  Any additional absence will result in a penalization of one grade level (e.g.: from B+ to B for five absences, B+ to B- for six absences, B+ to C+ for seven absences, etc.).  Two latenesses count for one absence. Attendance will be taken at the beginning of each class by calling students’ names.  Students not answering will be marked absent. Students arrived late will ask the instructor to be market late at the end of the class, after which attendance records will not be modified.
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

Program:                     

 

Unit    1        Introduction.  The Context of Political Theory.  The Invention of Political Philosophy.

(Jan. 17, 19)                                                                                                                         (Sabine, p. 3-18; assigned readings)

 Unit    2        Conceptual definitions.  State.  Nation.  Ethnicity.  Political Ideology.

(Jan.24, 26)                                                                                      Deutsch, p. xxi-xxviii; Sabine, p. 19-47; assigned readings)

 Unit    3        The Polis. Plato.  The Republic.  Virtue and Knowledge.  Classes and Souls.

(Jan. 31, Feb 2)                                                                                    (Deutsch, p. 1-34;  Sabine, p. 48-94; assigned readings)

 Unit    4         Aristotle.  The Rule of Law.  The Best Practicable State.  The Twilight of the Polis.

(Feb.. 7, 9, 11)                                                                                    (Deutsch, p. 35-70; Sabine, p. 95-140; assigned readings)

 Unit    5         From Polis to Cosmopolis.  From Feudalism to Capitalism. Theology and Political Theory.  Augustine.  Aquinas.

(Feb. 14, 16, 18)                                                                            (Deutsch, p. 71-142; Sabine, p. 215-270; assigned readings)

 Unit    6        Renaissance.  The Discovery of  the Individual.  

(Feb. 21, 23*)                                                                                                                 (Sabine, p. 271-310; assigned readings)

                    * MIDTERM  EXAM

 Unit    7          The Protestant Thinkers:  Luther.  Calvin.  Anabattists. The Radicals.  Political Authority Reconceived.

(Feb.  28, Mar. 2)                                                                        (Deutsch, p. 143- 182; Sabine, p. 332-347; assigned readings)

 Unit    8          Machiavelli.  Moore.  Absolutism.  The Nature of Politics.  The Role of the State. Utopia.

(Mar. 7, 9*)                                                                                  (Deutsch, p. 183-224; Sabine, p. 311-331; assigned readings)

                    * PROJECT  PROPOSAL

 Unit    9          Hobbes.  Locke. The Individual and the Community.  Society, State, and Government.

(Mar.14, 16)                                                                (Deutsch, p. 225-311; Sabine, p. 422-440, 478-499; assigned readings)

 Unit  10          Rousseau.  Enlightenment.  The Social Contract and the General Will.  The Paradox of Freedom.

Mar. 28, 30)                                                                                (Deutsch, p. 311-349; Sabine, p. 529-548; assigned readings)

 Unit  11          Ideology:  Socialism.  Utopian Socialists.  Social Democracy.  Marxism.  Post-Marxism. 

(Apr. 4, 6)                                                                                    (Deutsch, p. 417-440; Sabine, p. 681-723; assigned readings)

 Unit  12          Ideology:  Liberalism.  Mills.  Utilitarianism.  The Question of Liberty.  Political Economy.  Classical Liberalism.

(Apr. 11, 13)                                                                               (Deutsch, p. 441-465; Sabine, p. 635-680; assigned readings)

 Unit  13          Ideology:  Nationalism and Nationalists.  Ethinc and Civic Nationalism.  Populism.

(Apr. 20)                                                                                                                                                         (assigned readings)

 Unit  14          Democracy Compared.  Crisis of Democracy.  The Era of Globalization.  Identity Politics and Cosmopolitanism.

(Apr. 27 *)                                                                                                                                                       (assigned readings)

                   * FINAL REAEARCH PROJECT 

 (May 2 - 6, t.b.s.*)        

                    * FINAL EXAM

 

Films/Audiovisual Materials Sessions:

(1.  (date t.b.s.) at 19:35)  “on power”

(2.  (date t.b.s.) at 19:35)  “on diversity”

(3.  (date t.b.s.) at 19:35)  “on ideology”

 

 NOTE:

The syllabus schedule may undergo reasonable changes in relation to guest speakers, field trips, make-ups, discussions, events, and other contingencies

 

References:

              

Plato            The Republic                          424-347bce

Aristotle      Politics                                     384-322bce

Aristophanes Ecclesiazusae                               391bce

Lucretius   De rerum natura                           99-55bce

Augustine     City of God                                            415

Aquinas       Summa Theologica                              1274

Moore             Utopia                                                 1516

Mȕntzer       Sermon to the Prince                          1524

Machiavelli    The Prince                                          1532

Luther           On the Jews                                        1543

Campanella  The City of the Sun                            1602

Hobbes           Leviathan                                           1651

Locke          Two Treaties of government                            1689

Voltaire          Candide                                                            1759

Rousseau        Government of Poland                                  1772

Burke         Reflections on the Revolution in France          1790

Kant              Perpetual Peace                                               1795

Tocqueville  Democracy in America                                    1840

Marx            On the Jewish Question                                   1843

Stirner          The Ego and His Own                                      1844

Mill                  On Liberty                                                       1859

Bakunin       Statism and Anarchy                                        1873

Nietzsche   Thus Spoke Zarathustra                                   1885

Nilus          The Protocols of the Elders of Zion                  1898