Unit 1 Introduction. Methodology. Definitions. The Context of Political Theory. The Invention of Political Philosophy.
(Jan. 19 ,21) (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. 26, 28) (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.
(Feb. 2, 4) (Deutsch, p. 35-70; Sabine, p. 125-140; Morgan, p. 361-418; assigned readings)
Unit 4 From Feudalism to Capitalism. Augustine and Aquinas. Renaissance. The Discovery of the Individual.
(Feb. 9, 11) (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. 16, 18) (Deutsch, p. 183-224; Morgan, p. 482-526; assigned readings)
Unit 6 The Protestant Reformers: Luther, Calvin, Anabattists, and the Radicals. Political Authority Reconceived.
(Feb. 23, 25*) (Deutsch, p. 143-182; assigned readings)
* MIDTERM EXAM
Unit 7 Class Discussion: The Individual and the Community. Society, State, and Government.
(Mar. 2, 4) (Deutsch, p. 225- 310; Morgan, p. 551-749; assigned readings)
Unit 8 Rousseau, Hobbes and Locke. The Social Contract and the General Will. The Paradox of Freedom.
(Mar . 9, 11) (Deutsch, p. 311-350; Morgan, p. 831-890; assigned readings)
Unit 9 Enlightenment and the Development of the Modern State. Voltaire.
(Mar . 16, 18) (Deutsch, p. 351-416; Morgan, p.752-774; assigned readings)
Unit 10 Nationalism. Hegel and Dialectic. The Spirit of the Nation. Individualism and the Theory of the State.
(Mar . 23*, 25) (Sabine, p. 570- 607; assigned readings)
* PROJECT PROPOSAL
Unit 11 Liberalism. The Question of Liberty. Economic and Political Theory. John Stuart Mill.
(Mar. 30, Apr. 1) (Deutsch, p. 441-466; Morgan, p. 936-994; assigned readings)
Unit 12 Socialism. Marx and Communism. Dialectical Materialism. Economic Determinism. Social Democracy.
(Apr. 13, 15) (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. 20, 22) (Deutsch, p.467-491; Morgan, p. 1142-1209; assigned readings)
Unit 14 Class Discussion: The Education of Political Thought. Conclusions.
(Apr. 27, 29*) (assigned readings)
* FINAL RESEARCH PROJECT * PORTFOLIO
(Apr 30 - May 7 tba*)
* FINAL EXAM
NOTE: The syllabus schedule may undergo reasonable changes in relation to guest speakers, field trips, make-ups, discussions, events, and other contingencies.
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