Course Syllabus

JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "PL 210-2"
COURSE NAME: "Introduction to Political Theory"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring Semester 2012

SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Kollar Eszter
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: TTH 13:00-14:15
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS: Th 11.30-12.30 or by appointment

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course aims to provide the students with a general understanding of the development of political theory from classical times to the modern era, familiarity with its key thinkers and their main ideas. Through analysis and in-depth discussion of original texts the course aims to provide students with the foundations for critically thinking about the core concepts of political life including: conceptions of freedom, equality and justice in light of the different understandings of human nature; how different political organizations can further the human good; the relationship between the individual and the community, the tension between freedom and political authority; the problem of property, private interests and the common good; the goods and perils of democracy. The course seeks to link abstract political ideas with debates in contemporary public life through lectures, informed class discussion and to strengthen student’s writing and research skills through a research paper.

SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
Following a brief introduction concerning the role and purpose of political theorizing we will discuss the works of major classical and modern political thinkers:
Plato: The Republic
Aristotle: Politics
Machiavelli: The Prince
Hobbes: Leviathan
Locke: Second Treatise of Government
Rousseau: On the Origin of Inequality among Men; Social Contract
J.S. Mill: On Liberty, The Subjection of Women
Our analysis will focus on the central question(s) raised by the authors, their fundamental ideas and core political concepts including the state, sovereignty, authority, legitimacy, the rule of law, equality, justice, freedom and democracy. Students will be encouraged to think critically, raise questions and objections, draw comparisons between the authors and to link the ideas discussed to problems and dilemmas present in contemporary political life.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Students will obtain a solid grasp of the development of political thought until the modern era. They will learn to read and think critically about fundamental political concepts and to apply them in the analysis of their own societies. Students will develop an ability to conduct basic research and to organize their findings in a structured way. Finally, they will strengthen their argumentative skills both in written form and in oral debate.

TEXTBOOK:

Book Title	Author	Publisher	ISBN number
The Republic	Plato	Penguin, 2007	Paperback: 9780140455113
The Politics	Aristotle	Oxford University Press, 2009	Paperback: 9780199538737
The Prince	Niccolò Machiavelli	Oxford University Press, 2008	Paperback: 9780199535699
Leviathan	Thomas Hobbes	Penguin, 1981	Paperback: 9780140431957
Second Treatise	John Locke	Hackett Publishing Co., 1980	Paperback: 9780915144860
The Basic Political Writings	Jean-Jacques Rousseau	Hackett Publishing Co., 1987	Paperback: 9780872200470
On Liberty and Other Essays	John Stuart Mill	Oxford University Press, 2008	Paperback: 9780199535736

REQUIRED RESERVED READING:

NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:

NONE

GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:

Assignment	Guidelines	Weight
Midterm exam	Written exam consisting of multiple essay questions covering the first half of the course.	20%
Final exam	Written exam consisting of multiple essay questions covering all the course material.	40%
Research paper	Students are expected to choose a concept or problem in political theory related to the texts and topics discussed in class, and write a structured research paper using the ideas and interpretations of various authors and then commenting on it from their own preferred perspective. The essay should make reference to the core texts (two or more) and to additional academic sources of your choice based on your library research. If you have questions, feel free to come and discuss your topic with me. I urge you to consider the topic and research question as early as possible. <br /> <br /> Guidelines for papers: 2500 words. All of your work must be 12 pt. font, Times New Roman, double-spaced. Include a word count, page numbers and do not forget to run a spell check. You will be expected to cite academic texts that you are quoting, paraphrasing, or using as reference appropriately, including secondary literature and online resources. Clarity: the paper should have a well defined topic and focus and present the arguments clearly.- Accuracy: the paper should evaluate the author’s position in a fair way. Originality: the paper should present, support and defend the student’s own view in relation to the literature discussed. <br /> <br /> All papers are due on the due date at the beginning of class. You are expected to send an electronic copy ([email protected]) AND hand in a paper copy in class. Papers sent after the deadline will be detracted 1 letter grade, unless accompanied by proof of illness or emergency.	30%
Participation	Attendance and contribution to class discussions.	10%

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:

Assessment Guidelines for assigning main letter grades: A, B, C,D, and F.

A: Work of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensiveknowledge 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.

B: This 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.

C: This is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.

D: This 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.

F: This 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:
Students are expected to come to class prepared, having done all the reading assignments and ready to discuss them. Attendance is mandatory and, alongside active participation in class, makes up 10% of the final grade. A maximum of two unexplained absences from class will be accepted. Please refer to the university catalog for the attendance and absence policy.

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 (Jan 17, 19)
Introduction: Critical Thinking
What Is Political Theory?

Week 2 (Jan 24, 26)
Plato, Republic: Background; Introduction
Plato, Republic: Preliminaries

Week 3 (Jan 31, Feb 2)
Plato, Republic: Guardians and Auxiliaries, Justice in State and Individual
Plato, Republic: Women and the Family, The Philosopher Ruler

Week 4 (Feb 7, 9)
Aristotle, Politics, Books I and III
Aristotle, Politics, Book IV - Ch 1-12

Week 5 (Feb 14, 16)
Aristotle, Politics, Book VII - Ch 1-3
Machiavelli, The Prince, I-XV

Week 6 (Feb 21, 23)
Machiavelli, The Prince
Midterm Review

Week 7 (Feb 28, Mar 1)
Midterm exam

Research and Critical Writing in Political Theory

Week 8 (Mar 6, 8)
Hobbes, Leviathan: Ch 13-15
Hobbes, Leviathan: Ch 16-19

Week 9 (Mar 13, 15)
Hobbes, Leviathan: Ch 20-21,30

Locke, Second Treatise on Government: Ch 1-6

Spring break

Week 10 (Mar 27, 29)
Locke, Second Treatise on Government: Ch 7-12
Locke, Second Treatise on Government: Ch 13-19

Week 11 (Apr 3, 5)
Rousseau, Discourse on the Origin of Inequality, Part I
Rousseau, Discourse on the Origin of Inequality, Part II

Week 12 (Apr 10, 12)
Rousseau, Social Contract, Book I
Rousseau, Social Contract, Book II;

Week 13 (Apr 17-19)
Mill, On Liberty, Ch I-III
Mill, On Liberty, Ch IV-V

Week 14 (Apr 24, 26)
Mill, The Subjection of Women
Final review; Research paper due

Final exam

Final exam