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[171fs] Introduction to Political Theory -- A discussion of the basic terms, concepts, and principles of modern political science, with particular focus on modern liberalism and its critics. Topics include sovereignty, individual rights, equality, nationalism, socialism, and revolution. Readings from Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Mill, Burke, Marx, and others. Four credit hours. S. MR. REISERT and MR. CORRADO [271] Classical Political Theory -- A survey covering major works by Sophocles, Plato, Aristotle, Cicero, and Augustine and their varied understandings of justice, the design of the best regime, the relation of human nature to the shape of political institutions, the limits of human knowledge, the obligations of citizenship, the relation between political theory and political practice, as well as the role of religion and philosophy in defining a political order. Prerequisite: Government 171 or permission of the instructor. Four credit hours. [272] Modern Political Theory -- A survey of major works by Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Nietzsche, and others. Modern understanding of the social contract, the individual and the state; psychology; religion and politics; knowledge and political power; and the definition of freedom. A continuation of political theory building upon, but not requiring, Government 271. Prerequisite: Government 171 or permission of the instructor. Four credit hours. [273] American Political Thought -- A survey of the fundamental principles of American political thought as presented in primary source documents and writings. General themes include the notion of republican government, the concepts of liberty and equality, the role of commerce in a democratic society, and the foundations of social justice. Prerequisite:Ý Government 111 or permission of the instructor; preference to government and American studies majors. Four credit hours. MR. CORRADO [276s] Democracy -- What does rule by the people require? And is it really desirable? An historical examination into the idea of democracy,Ý beginning with classical critiques of democracy and concluding with contemporary celebrations of it. Topics include legitimacy, freedom,Ý autonomy, virtue, mediocrity, shamelessness, and despotism. Readings from Thucydides, Plato, Aristotle, Rousseau, Tocqueville, Mill, and others. Prerequisite: Government 171 or permission of the instructor.Ý Four credit hours. MR. REISERT [371] Foundations of American Constitutionalism --Ý An examination of the philosophical foundations of the constitution and American political thought at the time of the founding through an analysis of the writings of Hobbes, Locke, Montesquieu, and selected Federalist and anti-Federalist essays. Prerequisite: Government 111 or permission of the instructor. Four credit hours. [472] Seminar: Modern Political Philosophy -- A careful analysis of
a single major writing or a single author's thought, such as Alexis de
Tocqueville's Democracy in America or the works of Rousseau.Ý Prerequisite:
Government 171 or 272 or permission of instructor. Four credit hours.
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