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~Spring 2009~ Dr. Steven L. Taylor Office: MSCX 331A Click here for office hours Phone: 670-3759 COURSE DESCRIPTION AND OBJECTIVES. The purpose of this course is to provide the student with a broad introduction to major topics in political theory. The course focuses largely on a fundamental question of political philosophy: “What ought government be like?” We will touch on a number of key topics in political philosophy (some more than others), while the main focus will be on the specific theories of key political philosophers. READINGS. There is one required text for this course and a series of handouts/online readings (as per below). Ebenstein, Alan. 2002. Introduction to Political Thinkers., 2nd ed. Fort Worth: Harcourt Brace College Publishers. Additionally, students will be required to read Dr. Taylor's Classroom Rules. GRADING. Students will be evaluated on a standard 100 point scale (A=100-90, B=89.9-80, C-79.9-70, D=69.9-60, F=59.9-0). Grades will not be curved. Keep in mind the following: A=Outstanding, B=Above Average, C=Average, D=Below Average and F=Failing. If you need a particular grade, start working towards it from DAY ONE. GRADE BREAKDOWN
Exams: The three exams will be take-home, essay exams. Note: if you are unable to make it to class the day that your exam is due, I will accept e-mail submissions. Alternatively, get a friend to turn it in for you (provided they are on time). Late submissions will not be accepted except under extreme circumstances. As per the Rules page, I count one point off per minute that a paper is due, including take-home exams. Please also review the rules on attendance and plagiarism.
All exams must be submitted, by the due date, to Turnitin.com. The course code is: 2549020 and the password is: brainhurts. Please note the rules on plagiarism and Wikipedia usage in the aforementioned rules page. Participation: You are expected to have read the materials for a given day prior to the start of class. You are also expected to participate in class discussion. To receive full credit for participation you will need to answer my questions or pose your own—at least five (total) a week. If you refuse to participate, you will lose a quarter of your grade. Participation is expected to be related to class material. If you are absent you miss out on participation opportunities. COURSE OUTLINE 1/7 Course Introduction and Overview 1/9: No Class, Dr. Taylor will be attending the Southern Political Science Association meeting. I. THINKING ABOUT POLITICS: REGIME TYPES, LAW 1/12, 1/14 1/16 Plato, C1 (only though page 54) plus additional readings from the Republic (handout). 1/19 MLK Day: No Class. 1/21-1/30 Aristotle selections from The Ethics (Book I, sections 1, 2, 7, 9, 10 & 13 and Book II: sections 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8 & 9) and Aristotle, C2. 2/2 St. Augustine, C3 2/4 & 2/6 Aquinas, C4 2/9 Machiavelli, C5 2/11 Montesquieu, The Spirit of the Laws (Books 1, 2). 2/18 ***EXAM I due*** II. CONTRACT THEORY 2/13, 2/16 Hobbes, C6 2/20 Hume, Of the Origin of Justice and Property. 2/23, 2/25, 2/27 Locke, C7 3/2 The Declaration of Independence and Paine, Of Society and Civilization. 3/4, 3/6, 3/16 Rousseau, C8 3/9-3/13 SPRING BREAK 3/18, 3/20 Rawls, C12 3/23 Wrap-up and Overflow 3/30 ***EXAM II due*** III. Radicals, Liberals, Conservatives and Reactionaries 3/25 selection from Baradat (handout) 3/27, 3/30 Marx & Engels, C10. 4/1 Smith, The Wealth of Nations & Locke, A Letter Concerning Toleration 4/3, 4/6 Bentham, Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation. (Chapters I, II, III & IV). 4/8, 4/10 Mill (On Liberty), C9 4/13 Hayek 4/15 Burke: Reflections on the Revolution in France: (excerpt) 4/17, 4/20 selections from Bork (Slouching Toward Gomorrah) 4/22, 4/24 selections from Hitler's Mein Kampf 4/27 Peter Singer, All Animals are Equal 4/27 ***EXAM III due*** 4/29 DEAD DAY |
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