POLS 2300: Introduction to Political Theory Instructor: David Munk Office: Old Main 324C Office Hours: MWF 8:30-10:30, or by appointment Email: david.l.munk@gmail.com Class Meetings: MWF 10:30-11:20, MAIN 119 COURSE DESCRIPTION The aims of this course are to introduce students to the study of political theory and to consider its relationship to political science and politics. Although this is a survey course, there is no text book. Instead, we will read original texts. Furthermore, the emphasis will be on reading a few authors thoroughly. We will focus on four critical figures: Plato, Machiavelli, Locke, and Rousseau. Our consideration of Plato will explore the ends or purposes of political life. What kind of political arrangements are best? What arrangements satisfy the true needs of the individual? Are these the same as those which satisfy the needs of the community? How should conflicts between these two kinds of ends be resolved? Machiavelli, Locke, and Rousseau have their own answers to these questions. Thus, over the course of the semester, we will, among other things, consider and debate the ends of political life, the proper tactics and strategies to pursue in politics, and the best way to design institutions to accomplish our political goals. Learning Objectives 1. Acquire knowledge of some of the most influential and important ideas and theories of how government and society should be organized. 2. Understand and evaluate the ethical dimensions of politics. 3. Understand and evaluate the liberal democratic form of government as well as some of its major alternatives. 4. Further develop capacities to analyze and write about important, enduring, and controversial issues. REQUIREMENTS The following books are required: 1. The Republic of Plato, translated by Allan Bloom (Basic Books). 2. Machiavelli, The Prince, translated by Harvey Mansfield (Chicago). 3. John Locke, The Second Treatise of Government, edited by C.B. Macpherson (Hackett). 4. Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Discourse on the Origin of Inequality, translated by Donald A. Cross (Hackett). These books should be available at the USU Bookstore. In addition, certain materials will be posted on Canvas. Note that these materials also form part of the required reading.
Assignments You must do ALL of the following to complete the course successfully: 1. Do the assigned readings ahead of time. 2. Come to class prepared to discuss these readings. 3. Complete ALL written work and exams 4. Comply with all University rules regarding cheating, falsification, and plagiarism. (See Appendix for details.) Grades Your final grade will be based on the following: 1. Two four page, (typed, 12 point font, one inch margins, and double spaced) papers on assigned topics worth 40 points each. 2. A midterm exam worth 50 points. 3. A final exam worth 60 points. 4. Observation and Analysis worth 10 points. The O/A is a short written assignment randomly assigned throughout the semester on the reading for the following class. The dual purpose of the O/A assignment is first, to ensure that you understand and keep up with the reading and, second, to serve as a basis for discussion. It will consist of two or three observations or questions you derive from the reading and a thoughtful paragraph in which you explain or comment on your observation/question. The O/As will be graded with a simple if satisfactorily completed. If the O/A is inadequate you will receive an X and no credit for the assignment. There will be at least 10 O/A assignments throughout the semester, but maybe more. If you complete all the O/A assignments satisfactorily, you will receive 10 points. Two points will be deducted for each assignment which is unsatisfactory or not submitted. Assignments will only be accepted at the beginning of the class for which they are due. No late assignments will be accepted. If a student submits the assignment and leaves class, the student will not receive credit. 5. Attendance: You may miss up to six classes without penalty. After that you will lose one point for any unexcused absence. 6. Grading Scale: A 94-100 C+ 77-79 F 63 or less A- 90-93 C 74-76 B+ 87-89 C- 70-73 B 84-86 D+ 67-69 B- 80-83 D 64-66 In brief: A level work is excellent in all respects: writing, argumentation, and use of evidence. B level work is good or very good but falls short in one or more important areas. C level work is good or satisfactory but contains serious shortcomings in more than one area. D work is unsatisfactory.
SOME ADVICE *Read this syllabus carefully. It contains important information. *Come to class! Attendance is required. Absence is not an acceptable excuse for not knowing about an assignment. *Let me also reiterate the necessity of doing the readings before coming to class. If you don't, you will find yourself at a loss as to what is going on. *You are encouraged to participate in class. (Occasionally, you will be forced to do so!) No formal grade is given for participation, but the quality and quantity of your contributions may be taken into account if your grade is on the margin. *If you are having difficulties, don't hesitate to see me. *Don't cheat! Appendix I: University Rules on Cheating, Falsification, and Plagiarism Article V, Section 2, Part A (p.4) of the University's "Code of Policies and Procedures for Students" prohibits cheating, falsification, plagiarism or other forms of academic dishonesty. Violations of this rule make the student subject to discipline. The code defines cheating, falsification, and plagiarism as follows: a. Cheating includes intentionally using or attempting to use or providing others with unauthorized information, materials or study aids in any academic exercise or activity. Substituting for another student, or permitting another student to substitute for oneself in taking an examination or preparing academic work is also considered a form of cheating. b. Falsification is the intentional and unauthorized altering or inventing of any information or citation in an academic exercise or activity. c. Plagiarism is knowingly representing the words or ideas of another as one's own in an academic exercise or activity. Note: The Political Science Department has purchased software that can detect plagiarism. Appendix II: Students with Disabilities If a student has a disability that will likely require some accommodation by the instructor, the student must contact the instructor and document the disability through the Disability Resource Center, preferably during the first week of the course. Any requests for special considerations relating to attendance, pedagogy, taking of examinations, etc. must be discussed with and approved by the instructor. In cooperation with the Disability Resource Center, course materials can be provided in alternative formats--large print, audio, diskette, or Braille.
READINGS AND CLASS SCHEDULE: January 8 Course Introduction 10 The Problem of Justice 12 The Problem of Justice Martin Luther King, Jr.: Letter from a Birmingham Jail Contemporary Issues 15 17 The Problem of Justice 19 The Problem of Justice No Class - MLK, Jr. Day Republic, Book I, 327a-331d Republic, Book I, 331d-336a 22 The Problem of Justice 24 The Problem of Justice 26 Justice and Nature Republic, Book I, 336b-344d Republic, Book I, 344d-354c Republic, Book II, 357a-368c 29 Social Justice? 31 The Republic Republic, Book II, 368c-376e Republic, Book II-III, 376e-414b February 2 The Republic Republic, Book III, 414c-417b 5 The Republic 7 The Philosopher Kings 9 The Philosopher Kings Republic, Book IV, 419a-445e Republic, Book V, 449a-457c Republic, Book V, 457c-473c FIRST PAPER DUE
12 The Philosopher Kings 14 The Philosophic Experience 16 The Philosophic Experience Republic, Book V-VI, 473c-502c Republic, Book VI, 502d-511e Republic, Book VII, 514a-521b, 531e-541b 20 (Tuesday) 21 The Prince 23 The Prince MIDTERM EXAM The Prince, ch. 1-3 The Prince, ch. 6-9 26 The Prince 28 The Prince The Prince, ch. 11-15 The Prince, ch. 16-19 March 2 The Prince 5 7 9 The Prince, ch. 24-26 No Class - Spring Break No Class - Spring Break No Class - Spring Break 12 Lord of the Flies 14 Lord of the Flies 16 Lord of the Flies 19 Hobbes 21 Hobbes 23 Hobbes Leviathan, Introduction, ch. 11 Leviathan, ch. 13 Leviathan, ch. 17-18 26 Locke 28 Locke 30 Locke Second Treatise, Preface, ch. 1-2 Second Treatise, ch. 3-4 Second Treatise, ch. 5
April 2 Locke 4 Locke 6 Locke Second Treatise, ch. 6-7 Second Treatise, ch. 12-15 Second Treatise, ch. 16 9 Locke 11 Locke 13 Locke Second Treatise, ch. 17-19 Letter Concerning Toleration Letter Concerning Toleration 16 Rousseau 18 Rousseau 20 Rousseau Discourse, p. 16-29 (Part I) Discourse, p. 29-44 (Part I) Discourse, p. 44-56 (Part II) SECOND PAPER DUE 23 Rousseau 25 Jefferson 27 Lincoln Discourse, p. 57-71 (Part II) Declaration of Independence Gettysburg Address; Speech on the Dred Scott Decision Final Exam: Wednesday, May 2 at 11:30 a.m.