PS 372

Spring 2018 All Classes

All Classes

Modern Political Theory

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Credit: 3 hours.

Provides critical analysis of political theories from the fifteenth century to the present. The discussions focus on topics such as the development of conceptions of human nature, the role of the state, justice, legitimacy, obligation, individual rights, equality, and mechanisms of maintenance and change.

Prerequisite: PS 270, six hours of Political Science credit, or consent of instructor.

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PS 372 class schedule data for spring 2018
	CRN	Type	Section	Time	Day	Location	Instructor	Section Details
	46285	Lecture-Discussion	A	2:00PM -3:20PM	MW	223 David Kinley Hall	Washick, B	Part of Term: 1 Date Range: 01/16/18-05/02/18 Section Info: This course explores modern political debates that accompanied dramatic changes in governance in Europe and beyond during the 17th through 19th centuries. This is a period full of contradictions. On the one hand, we find a new belief in the capacity of people to rule themselves, the development of a powerful language of rights, and new possibilities for mobility, economic and otherwise. On the other hand, we find modern forms of slavery and imperialism; the denial of suffrage and citizenship to working classes, women, and people of color; and concerns about the quality of even the voting citizen’s freedom given the influence of others, whether elites or the masses. We will explore how modern political theorists used concepts of “social contract,” “liberty,” “equality,” "humanity," and “civilization” to justify political rule and to address, obscure, or otherwise engage the contradictions of this period. A central objective is to gain a broad understanding of the modern political perspective and its contemporary influence, especially in the United States. To this end, our exploration will pair canonical Western political theory (Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Marx) with more recent material (both academic and popular, essays and video). In terms of assignments, students can expect more or less conventional academic essays of varying lengths and the option to undertake a multi-media project (game design, blog series, etc.), but no tests. Restriction(s): Not intended for students with Freshman class standing.