Syllabus

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PSC 3050 Online – Political Theory  

Dr. Michael J. McNeal | MSU Denver Department of Political Science

Syllabus – Spring Semester, 2017

(Subject to Modification)

Abeunt studia in mores.

“Anti-intellectualism has been a constant thread winding its way through our political and cultural life, nurtured by the false notion that democracy means that 'my ignorance is just as good as your knowledge.'” – Isaac Asimov

“Nothing appears more surprising to those, who consider human affairs with a philosophical eye, than the easiness with which the many are governed by the few; and the implicit submission with which men resign their own sentiments and passions to those of their rulers.” – David Hume, The First Principles of Government, 1777

Introduction

Thinking about the political entails systematic consideration of human beings in community with one another, the various associations comprising these communities, the ways in which authority structures condition relations between individuals, and the values and institutions governing social life. This necessitates deliberation on fundamental questions about the good, justice, freedom, and rights and power, among other matters. It demands reflection on the interactions of groups, the proper role of authority, the limits of power and the function of values within and between communities. As a normative practice, it concerns the formation and negotiation of collective ideals, justifications for political authority, its legitimation and the institutional forms which that authority takes. Consequently, we may ponder the proper association of the polity, or community, with the individuals comprising it, and the rights and duties pertaining to members of communities. As an empirical study it attempts to explain the organization and functioning of formal and informal political institutions, the bases of law, various types of government, constraints on individual liberty and political authority, and the need for order and codified liberties.

Political theories attempt to explain important aspects of human nature, and the organization of society or ordering of our shared world. This introductory course will elucidate the ways in which political systems facilitate or inhibit human security and liberty by way of a broad philosophical and historical survey. It will afford students an understanding of primary concepts in political theory and a basic familiarity with key ideas and major figures of political philosophy in the Western tradition.

Thinking seriously and deeply about political ideas requires systematic, reflective engagement on their theoretical bases. This is difficult work and this course requires a commitment of time and concentration. An upper-division examination of key political thinkers and their ideas, and their historical evolution, this course will provide insights into and conceptual tools for thinking about the world. This is a potentially challenging course that requires approximately 80 pages of reading per week (sometimes more). Some of this reading is dense and will be difficult for some students. Therefore it would behoove you manage your time carefully, plan to read at least three times per week, and to review over the weekends.

Analytic Component: Systematic reflection is necessary to deliberate effectively on political ideas. This includes their theoretical bases. This is difficult work. A rigorous introduction to the key ideas of political theory and their historical evolution, this course will provide insights into and conceptual tools for thinking about the world. This is a potentially challenging course that requires approximately 80 pages of reading per week. Therefore it would behoove you to read every day and to review over the weekends.

Course Methodology

The format of this reading intensive class consists of traditional lectures on and discussion of assigned readings. You are responsible for note taking on each. For class discussions to be effective, it is essential that each student has read all the assigned materials before each class. You cannot learn the course material or constructively contribute to the class if you have not read the assigned readings. Neither lectures nor discussions will summarize assigned readings. (A note of caution: If you equate listening attentively with boredom you are unlikely to succeed in this course.) Intellectual work is meaningful and difficult when it is done well and with integrity. In order to succeed in the course it is essential that you carefully study and comprehend all the assigned material.

Course Objectives and Measurable Learning Outcomes

This course shall:

1. Familiarize students with major political ideologies as well as chief concepts, themes and controversies in political thought.

2. Develop understanding of the emergence of various theoretical / explanatory approaches to the study of politics through the systematic examination of their conceptual bases and their evolution.

3. Spur reflection upon the significance of the key notions and debates examined in the course.

4. Convey a basic comprehension of the significance of political thought for value formation and how the major ideas we shall examine both formed and reflected the beliefs and thinking of the era in which they emerged to shape those of our own.

5. Provide students with new perspectives on society and insight into how power and values reciprocally function to constitute political life.

According to the General Studies Course Content Requirements, you are also expected to:

•  Demonstrate the ability to locate appropriate sources when information is needed, and to evaluate the authenticity, validity, and reliability of resources applied to a specific purpose - (Met via writing assignments and précis of reading.)

•  Analyze texts, sources, and argumentation, identify cause and effect relationships and recognize fallacies of argument (Met with in-class lecture and class discussion.)

•  Use and document sources and evidence in an ethical manner (Met via writing assignments.)

•  Describe how the methods of science are used to generate new knowledge (Met via exam.)

•  Define the forms and impacts of geographical conditions or social, economic, financial, or political practices on the human experience using analytical methods appropriate to the field (Met via lecture information and research/writing assignment.)

Email Policy and Blackboard / MetroConnect

Email correspondence concerning this class should be reserved for extraordinary circumstances. Any email you send to me should be professional and pertinent to our course. Edit yourself carefully. Email “flames” are not acceptable and will be penalized and/or reported for disciplinary action. I will only respond to student emails that fulfill the aforementioned criteria. Refer to the key course documents, bring your questions and concerns to class, or see me after class if your issue relates to an absence or is of a sensitive or confidential nature. Check our Blackboard course page for announcements, readings, updates and extra-credit opportunities.

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