PSCI G150: Political Theory
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| 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) |
|
| Diversity Requirement (GCD) | Yes |
| California General Education Transfer Curriculum (Cal-GETC) |
|
| Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC) |
|
| California State University General Education Breadth (CSU GE-Breadth) |
|
Course Description
This course is identical to PHIL G150. This course introduces students to traditional philosophical issues concerning politics. Students will actively engage in an analysis of normative issues using historical insight as well as contemporary approaches. Among these issues are the nature of legitimate authority, political obligation, natural rights, equality and justice. The course emphasizes selections from the major works of such political philosophers as Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Marx and Mill. Enrollment Limitation: PHIL G150; students who complete PSCI G150 may not enroll in or receive credit for PHIL G150. Transfer Credit: CSU; UC. C-ID: POLS 120.C-ID: POLS 120.
Course Level Student Learning Outcome(s)
- Course Outcomes
- Identify the position of at least one philosopher regarding the legitimacy of the state.
- Analyze the different assumptions and values about human nature and reality embedded in each body of theory and examine the way these starting premises shape the question asked and conclussions reached.
- Evaluate the usefulness of each body of theory towards a better and more comprehensive understanding of political life and political institutions.
Course Objectives
- 1. Analyze the role of government and the relationship between government and individuals.
- 2. Describe and critique the contributions of classic and contemporary political theorists.
- 3. Evaluate various approaches to such normative questions as the nature of legitimate authority, political obligation, natural rights, equality and justice.
- 4. Debate normative standards of political behavior and processes.
- 5. Apply normative standards of political behavior to specific case studies.
Lecture Content
Course Content Outline (with suggested readings) Introduction to Political Philosophy and Thinking about the State Plato - The Allegory of the Cave Veil of Ignorance Plato - Crito Justifying the State Aristotles Politics (Books I II) NiccoloMachiavelli, The Prince Thomas Hobbes, Leviathan Nature and Purpose of the State: Obligations to and from the State Adam Smith, The Wealth of Nations (excerpts) Marx Engels, Manifesto of the Communist Party Jurgen Habermas, Three Normative Models of Democracy Edmund Burke, Reflections on the French Revolution Immanuel Kant, Perpetual Peace John Stuart Mill, Considerations on Representative Government Balancing Natural Rights, Human Nature, and the State John Locke, Second Treatise on Government (excerpts); Letter Concerning Toleration Jean-Jacques, Rousseau Of the Social Contract David Hume, Of the Original Contract; A Treatise of Human Nature Liberty Justice Plato, Republic Book I and II John Stuart Mill, On Liberty; The Subjection of Women John Rawls, A Theory of Justice Ruling the State: Authority, Power, and Equality Robert Nozick, Anarchy, State and Utopia Alexander Hamilton, James Madison, The Federalist Papers; US Constitution
Method(s) of Instruction
- Lecture (02)
- DE Live Online Lecture (02S)
- DE Online Lecture (02X)
Reading Assignments
Objective quizzes or exams that identify key concepts such as the state and/or identify key elements of philosophical positions;Short essay exams that examine key issues such as the relationship between the state and the individual;Critical analysis/research papers that examine and critique philosophical positions as they pertain to current issues.
Writing Assignments
1) Written exams, essays and papers focused on evaluating and analyzing normative arguments; 2) Assignments, both in class and written, that will compare and contrast various arguments;3) In-class discussions during which students will informally present their ideas.
Out-of-class Assignments
Reading assignments within textbook and additional web sources;Interactive discussions utilizing the Blackboard shell - discussion board - component;Research pertaining to philosophical issues.
Demonstration of Critical Thinking
1. On written assignments and/or essay questions, students will demonstrate the ability to evaluate and analyze the theoretical positions concerning such issues as the relationship between man and the state, natural rights, justice and equality 2. On written assignments and/or essay questions, students will compare and contrast the theoretical positions of two or more philosophers concerning such issues as the relationship between man and the state, natural rights, justice and equality.
Required Writing, Problem Solving, Skills Demonstration
1) Written exams, essays and papers focused on evaluating and analyzing normative arguments; 2) Assignments, both in class and written, that will compare and contrast various arguments; 3) In-class discussions during which students will informally present their ideas.
Eligible Disciplines
Philosophy: Masters degree in philosophy OR bachelors degree in philosophy AND masters degree in humanities or religious studies, OR the equivalent. Masters degree required. 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 Cahn. An Introduction to Political Philosophy, 2nd ed. Oxford University Press, 2011