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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "PL 210-1"
COURSE NAME: "Introduction to Political Theory"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2015
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Gabriele Simoncini
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: MW 3:00 PM 4:15 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
A History of Political Theory.Sabine G. H., Thorson T. L.,Chicago, 19800039102831     
Classics of Moral and Political Theory. Morgan M. L. (Ed.),Cambridge, 20100872207773     
An Invitation to Political Thought.Deutsch K. L., Fornieri J. R.,Thomson, 2009100534545637     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberComments
The History of Political Thought in National Context.Castiglione D., Hampsher-Monk L.,Cambridge, 20110521174937  
History of Political Philosophy.Strauss L.,U. of Chicago, 20090226777103  
Political Thinkers: From Socrates to the Present. Boucher D., Kelly P.,Oxford, 20100199215529  

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberComments
Political Philosophy: A Beginner’s Guide for Students and Politicians. Swift A.,Oxford, 20010745635326  
The Oxford Handbook of the History of Political Philosophy.Klosko G.,Oxford, 20110199238804  
A History of Political Thought: From Antiquity to the Present.Haddock B.,Polity, 2008745640850  
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Class participation 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%

-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 co
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.  Methodology.  Definitions.  The Context of Political Theory.  The Invention of Political Philosophy.

(Aug. 31, Sep. 2)                                                                                              (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.

(Sep. 7, 9)                                                                                                          (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.

(Sep. 14, 16)                                                                (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.

(Sep. 21, 23)                                                                                               (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.

(Sep. 28, 30)                                                                                             (Deutsch, p. 183-224;  Morgan, p. 482-526; assigned readings)

Unit    6          The Protestant Reformers:  Luther, Calvin, Anabattists, and the Radicals.  Political Authority Reconceived.

(Oct. 5, 7)                                                                                                                                    (Deutsch, p. 143-182; assigned readings)

Unit    7          The Individual and the Community.  Society, State, and Government.  Class Discussion.

(Oct. 12, 14*)                                                                                         (Deutsch, p. 225- 310;  Morgan, p. 551-749; assigned readings)

* MIDTERM  EXAM

Unit    8          Rousseau, Hobbes and Locke.  The Social Contract and the General Will.  The Paradox of Freedom.

(Oct. 19, 21)                                                                                             (Deutsch, p. 311-350;  Morgan, p. 831-890; assigned readings)

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

(Oct. 26, 28*)                                                                                            (Deutsch, p. 351-416; Morgan, p.752-774; assigned readings)

* PROJECT  PROPOSAL

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

(Nov. 2, 4)                                                                                                                                  (Sabine,  p. 570- 607; assigned readings)

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

(Nov. 9, 11)                                                                                              (Deutsch, p. 441-466; Morgan, p. 936-994; assigned readings)

 

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

(Nov. 16, 18)                                                                                          (Deutsch, p. 418-440; Morgan, p.1093-1108; assigned readings)

Unit  13          Totalitarianism.  Utopia and Revoution.  Modern Crisis.  Irrationalism and Anti-Rationalism.

(Nov. 23, 25)                                                                                         (Deutsch, p.467-491;  Morgan, p. 1142-1209; assigned readings)

Unit  14          Political theory in Global Context.  The Education of Political Thought.  Class Discussion.  Conclusions.

(Nov. 30, Dec. 2*)                                                                                                                                                         (assigned readings)

* FINAL REAEARCH PROJECT  * PORTFOLIO 

 (Dec. 4-11 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.

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