First-Year Seminar (101-6-24)

Topic

Machiavelli: Do the Ends Justify the Means?

Instructors

Ricardo Galliano Court

Meeting Info

University Library 4670: Mon, Wed, Fri 2:00PM - 2:50PM

Overview of class

Together we will explore the making of the first great political scientist of the modern age starting with a close reading of his secret diplomatic communications, his villainous guidebook The Prince, his licentious play The Mandrake, ending with his resigned (and some say cynical) later histories. So much of our exploration of the inner workings of states and regimes begins with Machiavelli, who raised ire and admiration, no less for his willingness to say out loud what others whispered, than for the temerity to show what makes power work.

Class Attributes

WCAS First-Year Seminar

Enrollment Requirements

Enrollment Requirements: Reserved for First Year & Sophomore only
Add Consent: Department Consent Required
Drop Consent: Department Consent Required