Classical Political Thought



Institution: Washington State University

Department: Politics, Philosophy, and Public Affairs

Course-level: Advanced undergraduate seminar

Format:  Seminar



Description:

This course traces the development of Western political thought from the Ancient Greeks to contemporary political theory and philosophy. The course has three central goals. First, we aim to gain a deeper understanding of the centrality of political thought for the study of politics. Second, we critically examine key themes and concepts in political theory—including the end(s) of politics, the location of political authority, the limits of government, and the challenge to political authority—by reading classic texts. Third, we trace the historical evolution and shifting meaning of these themes and concepts in political thought. The course is thematically organized and unfolds as a combination of lectures and in-class discussions of the assigned texts both from a historical as well as contemporary perspective.



Course Goals:

The study of the classic texts will improve students ability (both orally and in writing) to 1) obtain an insight into the main arguments of central thinkers of Western political thought; 2) understand how the themes and concepts concerning the end(s) of politics, the location of political authority, the limits of government, and the challenge to political authority have emerged and have shifted their meaning in the history of Western political thought; 3) write coherent essays on the main arguments of the discussed themes and thinkers.




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