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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "PL 210-3"
COURSE NAME: "Introduction to Political Theory"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2014
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Gabriele Simoncini
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: MW 4:30 PM 5:45 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS:
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This course attempts to provide the student with a general understanding of the evolution of political theory through the time and an understanding of modern political thought and ideologies.  Priority is given to conceptualization of different theories and their historical development.  Critical thinking and comparative analysis will be applied to achieve a clear understanding of the foundations of modern political theory.
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 Thought.Deutsch K. L., Fornieri J. R.,Thomson, 20090534545637      
Classics of Moral and Political Theory.Morgan M. L. (Ed.)Cambridge, 20100872207773      
A History of Political Theory.Sabine G. H., Thorson T. L.Chicago, 19800039102831      
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 Press 20090226777103  
Political ThinkersBoucher D., Kelly P.Oxford 20110199215529   

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberComments
A History of Political Thought: From Antiquity to the PresentHaddock B.Polity 2008745640850  
The Oxford Handbook of the History of Political PhilosophyKlosko G.Oxford 20110199238804  
Political Philosophy: A Beginner’s Guide for Students and PoliticiansSwift A.,07456353260745635326  
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Class participation 10%
Midterm exam 20%
Presentation and other assignments 15%
Final exam  25%
Final project with portfolio 30%

-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 cour
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
Unit    1                 Introduction.  Methodology.  Definitions.  The Context of Political Theory.  The Invention of Political Philosophy.

(Jan. 13, 15)                                                                                          (Deutsch, p. xxi-xxviii; Sabine, p. 3-34; assigned readings)

Unit    2                 Ancient Greek Political thought.  Socrates and  Plato.  The Republic.  Virtue and Knowledge.  Classes and Souls.

(Jan. 20, 22)                                                                                            (Deutsch, p. 1-34; Morgan, p. 75-251; assigned readings)

Unit    3                 Aristotle and the Science of Politics.  The Rule of Law.  The Best Practicable State.  From Polis to Cosmopolis.

(Jan. 27, 29)                                                       (Deutsch, p. 35-70;  Sabine, p. 125-140; Morgan, p. 361-418; assigned readings)

Unit    4                 From Feudalism to Capitalism.  Augustine, Aquinas.  Renaissance.  The Discovery of  the Individual.

(Feb. 3, 5)                                                                                         (Deutsch, p. 71-142;  Morgan, p. 442-476; assigned readings)

Unit    5                 Machiavelli and Modern Absolutism.  The Nature of Politics.  The Role of the State.  Moore’s Utopia.

(Feb. 10, 12)                                                                                   (Deutsch, p. 183-224;  Morgan, p. 482-526; assigned readings)

Unit    6                 The Protestant Reformers, Luther, Calvin, and the radicals.  Political Authority Reconceived.  Forms of Government.

(Feb. 17, 19)                                                                                                                      (Deutsch, p. 143-182; assigned readings)

Unit    7                 Hobbes.   Locke.  The Individual and the Community.  The Natural Right to Property.  Society and Government.

(Feb. 24*, 26)                                                                                (Deutsch, p. 225- 310;  Morgan, p. 551-749; assigned readings)

                              *MIDTERM EXAM

Unit    8                 Rousseau.  The Social Contract and the General Will.  Man as Citizen.  The Paradox of Freedom.

(Mar. 3, 5)                                                                                       (Deutsch, p. 311-350;  Morgan, p. 831-890; assigned readings)

Unit    9                 Enlightenment and the Development of the Modern State.  Voltaire.  Burke.  Tocqueville.

(Mar. 10, 12)                                                                                     (Deutsch, p. 351-416; Morgan, p.752-774; assigned readings)

Unit  10                 Hegel.  Dialectic and Nationalism.  The Spirit of the Nation.  Individualism and the Theory of the State.

(Mar. 24*, 26)                                                                                                                    (Sabine,  p. 570- 607; assigned readings)
                            *PROJECT PROPOSAL

Unit  11                 Liberalism.  Philosophical Radicalism.  The Question of Liberty.  Economic and Political Theory.  John Stuart Mill.

(Mar. 31, Apr. 2)                                                                              (Deutsch, p. 441-466; Morgan, p. 936-994; assigned readings)

Unit  12                 Socialism.  Marx.  Communism.  Dialectical Materialism.  Economic Determinism.  Social Democracy.

(Apr. 7, 9)                                                                                      (Deutsch, p. 418-440; Morgan, p.1093-1108; assigned readings)

Unit  13                 Nietzsche.  Modern Crisis.  The Death of God.  The Prejudice of Truth.  Irrationalism and Anti-Rationalism.

(Apr. 14, 16)                                                                                 (Deutsch, p.467-491;  Morgan, p. 1142-1209; assigned readings)

Unit  14                 Conclusions.  Review.

(Apr. 23 *)                                                                                                                                                            (assigned readings)

                             *  FINAL PAPER  * PORTFOLIO 

(Apr. 25 - 30 tba*)   * FINAL EXAM


REFERENCES:

Plato                   The Republic   424-347bce

Aristotle              Politics   384-322bce

Augustine           City of God   415

Aquinas               Summa Theologica   1274

More                    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   1903