JCU Logo
JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "PL 310"
COURSE NAME: "Modern Political Theory"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall Semester 2012
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Kollar Eszter
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: TTH 10:00-11:15
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Recommended: PL 210
OFFICE HOURS:
COURSE DESCRIPTION:

This is an advanced political theory course focusing on the main schools of thougth in contemporary political theory. The course will concentrate on those theories that dominate contemporary discussions and provide a, more or less, comprehensive account of a good or just society. We will examine core concepts, such as freedom, equality, justice, community, etc. and the supporting arguments from a variety of theoretical perspectives and test them for their coherence and applicability to different questions in public life. The aim is to provide students with conceptual clarity, analytical tools and critical capacity for evaluating political institutions and policies. Students are encouraged to be active participants to the debate, bring their own intuitions, political convictions and  experience to class discussions and to confront their ideas with an open mind. 
SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

The structure of the topics is organized as follows:
Introduction and Critical Thinking
Utilitarianism
Liberal Equality
Libertarianism
Marxism
Communitarianism
Multiculturalism
Feminism 
The readings include original texts for deeper understanding and familiarily with key thinkers, and a critical introductory text that renders complex ideas accessible to students.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:

Students will have a good understanding of the dominant schools of thought in contemporary political theory. They will be able to recognize, analyze and confront key political ideas and concepts and apply those skills to actual policy debates. They will be able to critically reflect on their own political convictions and improve their argumentative skills in writing and in discussion.
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Contemporary Political PhilosophyWill KymlickaOxford University Press, 2002, 2nd ed.9780198782742     
Contemporary Political Theory: A ReaderColin FarellySage Publication, 20049780761941842      
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberComments
Political Philosophy: A Beginners' Guide for Students and PoliticiansAdam SwiftPolity Press, 20069780745635323  
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Midterm examWritten exam consisting of multiple essay questions covering the first half of the course.20%
Final examWritten exam consisting of multiple essay questions covering all the course material.40%
Research paperStudents 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 /> Guidelines for papers: 2500 words. <br /> 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.<br /> You will be expected to cite academic texts that you are quoting, paraphrasing, or using as reference appropriately, including secondary literature and online resources.<br /> Clarity: the paper should have a well defined topic and focus and present the arguments clearly.<br /> Accuracy: the paper should evaluate the author's position in a fair way.<br /> Originality: the paper should present, support and defend the student's own view in relation to the literature discussed. <br /> All papers are due on the due date at the beginning of class. You are expected to send an&nbsp;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%
ParticipationAttendance 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:
Class participation is mandatory and makes up 10% of the grade. Students are expected to come to class prepared and ready to discuss their reading assignments. A maximum of two unjustified absences are accepted. 
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(Sept 4, 6): Introduction

 

-       Contemporary Political Theory

-       Critical Thinking

 

Readings: Textbook Ch1

 

Week 2 (Sept 11, 13): Utilitarianism

 

-        Defining utility

-        Maximizing Utility

-        The Politics of Utilitarianism

 

Readings: Textbook Ch2;

 

Week 3 (Sept 18, 20, 21): Liberal Equality I - Rawls’ Justice as Fairness

 

-        The Problem of Justice and the Basic Structure

-        Social Contract Argument

 

Readings: Textbook Ch3 (p53-75); Reader: John Rawls, Justice as Fairness

 

Week 4 (Sept 25, 27): Liberal Equality II - Rawls’ Justice as Fairness (continued)

 

-        Equality of Opportunity

-        Difference Principle

 

Readings: Textbook Ch3 (p53-75); Reader: Richard J. Arneson: Primary Goods Reconsidered

 

Week 5 (Oct 2, 4): Liberal Equality III - Dworkin’s Equality of Resources

 

-         The Insurance Scheme

-         Taxes and Redistribution

-         The Politics of Liberal Equality

 

Readings: Textbook Ch3 (p75-101); Reader: Alex Callinicos, Equality of What?

 

Week 6 (Oct 9, 11, 12): Libertarianism

 

-          Nozick’s Entitlement Theory

-          The Self-ownership Argument

-          The Politics of Libertarianism

 

Readings: Textbook Ch4; Reader: Robert Nozick, The Entitlement Theory of Justice

 

Week 7 (Oct 16, 18): Marxism

 

-          Communism

-          Exploitation

-          Needs

-          Alienation

 

Readings: Textbook Ch5  

 

Week 8 (Oct 23, 25)

-          Midterm exam

-          Research and Critical Writing in Political Theory

 

Week 9-10 (Oct 30, Nov 6, 8): Communitarianism

 

-          Community

-          Justice and Shared Meanings

-          Politics of the Common Good

-          The Unencumbered Self

 

Readings: Textbook Ch6; Reader: Michael Walzer: Complex Equality

 

Week 11- 12 (Nov 13, 15, 20): Multiculturalism

 

-          The Communitarian Framework

-          The Liberal Framework

-          Nation-building

-          Immigration

 

Readings: Textbook Ch8; Reader: Chandran Kukathas, Liberalism and Multiculturalism

 

Week 13 (Nov 27, 29): Feminism

 

-          Sexual Equality and Discrimination

-          Okin: The Family, Gender and Justice

-          An Ethic of Care

 

Readings: Textbook Ch9; Reader: Susan M. Okin, The Public/Private Dichotomy

 

Week 14 (Dec 4, 6):

-          Conclusion

-          Review

 

Dec 6: Research paper due

 

Final exam