PSCI C188: Political Theory
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Curriculum Committee Approval Date | 10/01/2021 |
| Top Code | 220700 - Political Science |
| Units | 3 Total Units |
| Hours | 54 Total Hours (Lecture Hours 54) |
| Total Outside of Class Hours | 0 |
| Course Credit Status | Credit: Degree Applicable (D) |
| Material Fee | No |
| Basic Skills | Not Basic Skills (N) |
| Repeatable | No |
| Grading Policy | Standard Letter (S),
|
| Local General Education (GE) |
|
| California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) |
|
| Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) |
|
| California State University General Education Breadth (CSU GE-Breadth) |
|
Course Description
An introduction to various theoretical approaches to politics from classical to contemporary. Focus on reading and examination of primary text in order to apply theories to basic political problems and proposed solutions. Transfer Credit: CSU; UC. C-ID: POLS 120.C-ID: POLS 120.
Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)
- Utilize political science theory and terminology to evaluate philosophical arguments about government.
- Utilize political science theory and terminology to assess the relevance of political theories to contemporary issues and policies.
- Utilize political science theory and terminology to communicate about basic political problems and proposed solutions.
Course Objectives
- 1. Evaluate and restate philosophical arguments regarding government and politics based on original texts and primary sources.
- 2. Analyze and describe the different assumptions and values about "human nature" and "reality" embedded in each political theory.
- 3. Evaluate and explain arguments on the ideal form of government from various philosophical perspectives.
- 4. Identify the unifying themes within periods of political thought.
- 5. Compare and contrast the defining elements of each political theory and identify their strengths and weaknesses.
- 6. Assess the contribution of each political theory towards a comprehensive understanding of political life and political institutions.
- 7. Analyze political theory and theoretical texts and explain how they are relevant to contemporary issues including policy implications.
- 8. Describe the historical dialogue and debate between political theorists and philosophers.
- 9. Engage in political inquiry using a theoretical framework through which contemporary political institutions and events may be analyzed.
Lecture Content
Introduction to Political Theory The nature of political inquiry and the concept of ideology. Defining key terms and interpreting primary sources. Philosophical foundations and classical political theorists. Ancient/Classical/Medieval Political Philosophy (5th bc to 15th century). Selected political thinkers may include: Aristotle. Ethics Aristotle. Politics Cicero. The Republic; The Laws Modern Political Philosophy (16th - 19th century). Selected political thinkers may include: Machiavelli. The Prince, The Discourses Hobbes. Leviathan *Social Contract Locke. Two Treatises on Government *Social Contract Rousseau. The Social Contract, Discourse on the Origins of Inequality *Social Contract Mill. On Liberty de Tocqueville. Democracy in America Marx Socialism and Communism Nietzsche Beyond Good and Evil Contemporary Political Philosophy (20th century) Selected political thinkers may include: Arendt. The Human Condition Berlin Two concepts of liberty Rawls Reviving the Social Contract Justice Nozick A response to Rawls Conclusion The future of political thought Basic theoretical debates such as, but not limited to, justice, community, equality, liberty, best government. Application of theoretical debates to the modern world.
Method(s) of Instruction
- Lecture (02)
- DE Live Online Lecture (02S)
- DE Online Lecture (02X)
Instructional Techniques
A variety of instructional techniques will be employed to encompass different student learning styles. These may include but are not limited to, lectures and explanations of arguments, issues, topics, terms, and concepts. Focus on argument analysis, criticism, and evaluation. Class discussions, and small group activities, as well as reading and analysis of primary sources. Instruction will be supplemented, where appropriate, by PowerPoint presentations, electronic resources and technologies, guest speakers, and field trips.
Reading Assignments
Students will complete reading assignments from the textbook as well as any supplemental primary source readings, handouts, internet resources, and assignments from the Coastline Library.
Writing Assignments
Midterm and/or final exams will assess students ability to construct a coherent argument utilizing political science theory and concepts. Assignments will require students to demonstrate higher-order thinking: analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.
Out-of-class Assignments
Outside of the classroom students will do the required reading, study for quizzes and exams, and conduct research, where applicable, to prepare papers and essays.
Demonstration of Critical Thinking
Students will demonstrate critical thinking through written work such as essays and papers as well as active participation in class discussions. Assignments will require students to demonstrate higher-order thinking: analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.
Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration
Students will be required to demonstrate analysis of arguments on the nature of government and politics by completing one or more essays as a component of the exams, midterm and/or final exam, and at least one additional paper.
Eligible Disciplines
Political science: Masters degree in political science, government, or international relations OR bachelors degree in any of the above AND masters degree in economics, history, public administration, social science, sociology, any ethnic studies, J.D., or LL.B. OR the equivalent. Masters degree required.
Textbooks Resources
1. Required Ball, Terence; Dagger, Richard . Ideals and Ideologies A Reader Political Philosophy: The Essential Texts, 11th ed. Oxfordshire: Routledge, 2019
Other Resources
1. Primary sources such as, but not limited to:Arendt. The Human ConditionAristotle. EthicsAristotle. PoliticsBarber. Jihad vs. McWorldCicero. The Republic; The LawsFukuyama. The End of History.Gutierrez. Liberation TheologyGrimke. Letters on the Equality of WomenHobbes. LeviathanLocke. Two Treatises on GovernmentMachiavelli. The Prince, The DiscoursesMarx. Selected WritingsMill. On LibertyNietzsche, Beyond Good and EvilPlato. The RepublicRawls. A Theory of JusticeRousseau. The Social Contract, Discourse on the Origins of InequalitySt. Augustine. The City of God St. Thomas Aquinas. Summa Theologiae Strauss. Reading the Canonde Tocqueville. Democracy in America 2. Coastline Library