Introduction to Political Theory (201-0-20)

Instructors

Sam McChesney

Meeting Info

Parkes Hall 214: Tues, Thurs 2:00PM - 3:20PM

Overview of class

This course will offer an introduction to the field of political theory through a survey of three of its major branches: history of political thought, critical theory, and normative political theory. We will read a selection of canonical writings in political theory, along with more "methodological" works that interrogate the various task(s) and purposes of our discipline. What is the point in reading ancient texts? What makes theory "critical"? How do we construct compelling arguments for our normative visions of society?

Students should expect to read up to 100 pages per week. Assigned readings will include works by Plato, Thomas Hobbes, Friedrich Nietzsche, Karl Marx, John Rawls, Kimberlé Crenshaw, Charles Mills, and Iris Marion Young. Much of the reading will be difficult, unfamiliar, surprising—and hopefully exciting! This is a course for those who enjoy reading and discussing challenging texts. You should leave this class with an appreciation of the breadth of political theory as a field, with the tools to understand and engage a diverse range of theoretical debates, and with the confidence to pursue further study in this discipline.

Learning Objectives

Develop interpretive and critical reading skills.
Demonstrate familiarity with a range of different ways of "doing" political theory.
Develop analytical abilities by engaging critically with key lines of argument in political theory, learning how to assess their strengths and weaknesses.
Identify and thoughtfully analyze passages from canonical works in political theory.

Teaching Method

Lectures

Evaluation Method

Midterm exam, final exam, class attendance/participation.

Class Materials (Required)

None

Class Attributes

Social and Behavioral Science Foundational Discipl
Interdisciplinary Distro-rules apply
Social & Behavioral Sciences Distro Area
Ethics & Values Distro Area