This introductory course acquints learners to the hisotry of political theory by drawing the history of the philosophical dialogues and debate over the proper relation among freedom, economics, citizenship, justice, authority, and identity. While Aristotle, Locke, Marx and Engels, will figure most centrally in the storyline, learners will also be introduce to oldest and most fundamental forms of political inquiry through works by Pericles, Plato, Thomas Hobbes, James Madison, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Constant, G.W. F. Hegel, Eugene Debs, and Wilson Carey McWilliams. The learners study of political ideas and concepts will be placed on enhancing learners, skills in writing and argument.
After successfully completing the course, the learner will be able to:
- Better understands the concepts that have shaped western politics, including freedom, equality, individuality, democracy and justice.
- Identify the most historical scholars who are contributors to modern Western political thought and is able to explain the importance of their contributions.
- describe how the concepts of freedom and citizenship have had multiple and sometimes conflicting meanings in the history of Western political thought.
- Describe the nature of political theory and the ways political theoretical thinking can enhance our capacities for critical reflection and democratic citizenship.
- Recognize that meanings of freedom and citizenship have varied in response to changing understandings of economics.
- Strengthen the learners' argumentative writings and command of English prose through careful practice.