Survey of Western Political Thought (PSCI 2004)
Spring 2007
Section: 020 MWF 10 – 10:50 Ketchum 235
Section: 030 MWF 12 – 12:50 Ketchum 235
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Delia Alexandru
Office: Ketchum 124
Office Hours: M, W, F, 11:00-12:00
Office Phone:303-492-4314
Email:
*The contents of this syllabus are subject to change at the discretion of the instructor.*
Course Description
Whether we recognize it or not, we are immersed in political theory. Every day we employ assumptions about the world, human nature, justice, government, and about our role in society. Political theory aims to connect all these assumptions in an encompassing and coherent vision of political life. Throughout the semester you will read a multitude of political theorists that have contributed to our understanding of our place in society and our role in political life. The aim of this course is to understand what these political theorists argue in order to discover your own assumption about political life, and to consider whether or not these assumptions are coherently leading to a just conception of political life.
Reading Materials
All readings listed in the syllabus are required. You are responsible for obtaining all readings for this course. The following texts can be purchased in the University bookstore. All other readings will be available via university e-reserve or as in-class handouts.
Mitchell Cohen and Nicole Fermon, ed. PrincetonReadings in Political Thought, PrincetonUniversity Press
J.S. Mill, On Liberty and Other Essays, Cambridge Texts in the History of Political Thought, CambridgeUniversity Press
Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, The Communist Manifesto, Signet Classic
Several of the assigned readings in your syllabus will be available on university e-reserve (electronic reserve) which is accessible through the University Libraries website. Go to University Libraries – under Research Resources, go to E-reserve:
E-reserve materials are listed by course and by instructor. You will need to enter your university Identikey login name and password to access e-reserves. It is your responsibility to get these readings and I strongly advise you not to wait until the day before to get them!
E-reserve material will be made available gradually, throughout the semester, and in advance of the assigned date.
Grading
The grades will be calculated as follows:
Participation: 10%
Debates: 10%
Pop Quizzes 6 (lowest will be dropped): 5% each (25% total)
Tests 2: 15% each (30% total)
Final: 25%
Participation
I cannot emphasize enough the importance of discussion for political theory issues. Political theory is hard to understand in the absence of thorough questioning. As such, students are expected to complete all reading assignments on time (by the day listed on the syllabus) and come to class prepared to actively participate in discussion. For each class session you are required to bring ONE (or more) “thought question” – a question about something you did not understand or found unclear in the readings. While I will not collect these, I will randomly ask students to read their “thought question” in order to open/further in-class discussion of the texts. In fact, each regular class session will be broadly split in two parts: 1. lecture 2. questions (at least 15 –20 minutes). You are, of course, free to ask your clarifying questions throughout the class period, as the topic comes up; you need not wait until the end!
Asking well thought out questions in class is the basis of your participation grade.
Participation is about what you contribute to the class. Disrespectful behavior takes away from the class, and therefore will take away from your grade. I expect all students to conduct themselves in a professional manner. Behavior such as chronic lateness, speaking while another student has the floor, allowing your cell phone to ring, and any other rude and disrespectful behavior will result in a deduction from this portion of your grade. Finally, please keep in mind that while I will not take regular attendance in this course, you cannot participate if you are not present in class. Absences will affect your grade.
Debates
We hear and participate in political discussion almost every day but we hardly ever inquire into the foundations of our beliefs. Can we defend our position? Are our beliefs consistent with each other? Can we understand the opposing argument or do we just dismiss it? In-class debates will be an opportunity to test your ability to defend or criticize a point of view convincingly. Throughout the semester we will conclude the reading topics we covered that week with a debate session. These sessions have multiple purposes:
- They are an opportunity to apply classical political theory to various dilemmas and discover the relevance of classical writings;
- These debates will expose the weaknesses and they will show the strengths of the arguments we study;
- They give you a chance to further your understanding of the texts by showing you different perspectives;
- Your effort to figure out the pro and cons of an argument should substantially further your grasp of these issues – in other words, you should be able to cogently argue FOR and AGAINST the theories you have read. This is essential since the main goal of this course is to allow you to better articulate your own beliefs and to be able to coherently defend them.
*** Please read carefully: DEBATE STRUCTURE
Each Debate is structured around an issue described in the syllabus (below). The point of the debate is to argue FOR and AGAINST the proposed resolution. There will be two teams (each team with two people): 1. the “FOR” team; 2. the AGAINST team.
The debate will be STRICTLY timed to allow both sides to argue their case.
1st Affirmative: 5 minutes (must prove that resolution ought to be adopted)
Cross Examination: 4 minutes (whole class is allowed to ask questions)
1st Negative: 5 minutes (must argue against resolution or affirmative plan)
Cross Examination: 4 minutes (class questions)
2nd Affirmative: 5 mins
Cross Examination: 4 mins (class questions)
2nd Negative: 5 mins
Cross Examination: 4 mins (class questions)
Rebuttal Prep Time: 3 mins total -- each team must select one member to give a
3 minute persuasive speech about why they ought to win the debate.
Negative Rebuttal: 3 mins
Affirmative Rebuttal: 3 mins
CLASS VOTE ON DEBATE WINNER
You should meet with your debate partner before the date on which you are assigned to debate. You should determine how you will support your argument and what each of you will say. Think of the strengths/weaknesses of the proposed resolution; consider examples/cases/situations that support your case.
Tests
I will administer 2 (two) tests throughout the semester. The specific dates are below, in the syllabus schedule. These tests will be multiple-choice, and together they account for 30% of your grade.
Pop Quizzes
There will be 6 pop quizzes throughout the semester. They will contain short answer questions pertaining to that particular day’s reading assignment. I will drop the lowest grade out of the 6 and count only 5 of the quizzes toward your grade. While I call them “pop quizzes” I will probably announce some of them in advance (another advantage of attending class!).
Final Exam
The final exam will be a combination of multiple choice and essay questions.
Section 020 (MWF 10 – 10:50) – Monday, May 7th10:30 – 1:00, Ketchum 235
Section 030 (MWF 12 – 12:50) – Monday, May 7th 4:30 – 7:00, Ketchum 235
Test Rescheduling
Tests and quizzes cannot be rescheduled! The only exception to this will be genuine medical or family emergencies, and appropriate documentation will be required.
Academic Integrity
All students of the University of Colorado at Boulder are responsible for knowing and adhering to the academic integrity policy of this institution. For more information regarding the Honor Code, please go to
Religious Observance Accommodations
If you have a religious observance that will conflict with any of the requirements of this course, please let me know as soon as possible. This will help to ensure that we can reach a reasonable solution that will allow you to fulfill both your religious obligation as well as the requirements of this course.
Disabled Student Accommodations
If you qualify for accommodations because of a disability, please submit to me a letter from Disability Services in a timely manner so that your needs may be addressed. Disability Services determines accommodations based on documented disabilities. Contact: 303-492-8671, Willard 322
Grade Complaints
Grade complaints must be submitted no earlier than 24 hours, and no later than 3 business days after receiving the grade. Complaints must be made in writing, detailing the reasons why the student thinks the grade is incorrect. I reserve the right to maintain, raise, or lower the grade upon further review.
Communication
Please be aware that email is the official form of communication at the University of Colorado at Boulder. I am provided with a class email list by the university registrar and I may send assignments and other announcements regarding this course over email! Therefore, you are responsible for checking your email on a regular basis for possible emails regarding this course. “I didn’t check my email” is not an excuse!
Contacting the Instructor
The best way to contact me is through email. I check my email each day and will usually respond within 48 hours (do not expect an immediate/same day response!). Also, please make use of my office hours. If you have a scheduling conflict, contact me for an appointment. If you find you are having trouble with the course material, it is in your best interest to see me as soon as possible. As long as you are willing to make an effort, I am willing to help you succeed in this course.
Readings and Tests Schedule
Important Note: While many times “Debate days” are opportunities to consider further questions and wrap up readings, sometimes there are NEW readings assigned for Debate sessions!
You are expected to bring “thought – questions” for ALL class sessions (Debate days included)!
Unless otherwise noted your reading selections are in the Princeton Readings in Political Thought!
Week 1
M, Jan 15 MLK Day – No class
W, Jan. 17 Course Introduction (No readings)
F, Jan. 19 What is Political Philosophy? Leo Strauss
Week 2
M, Jan. 22The Greeks – Short Documentary on Greek Thought; Read PLATO, The Republic I (page 39 - 78)
W, Jan. 24 Finish reading PLATO, The Republic II (78 – end)
F, Jan. 26DEBATE 1: Politicians (people in public office) should be required to have an education in political science.
Week 3
M, Jan. 29 PLATO, The Apology
W, Jan. 31 PLATO, Crito
F, Feb. 2 DEBATE 2: Citizens should respect/abide by the laws even when they do not agree with them.
Week 4
M, Feb. 5 ARISTOTLE, The Nicomachean Ethics, Book One (e-reserves)
W, Feb. 7 ARISTOTLE, The Politics
F, Feb. 9 DEBATE 3: The United States has an obligation to promote democratic ideals in other nations.
Week 5
M, Feb. 12 TEST #1
W, Feb 14 HOBBES I, p.205 - 219
F, Feb. 16 HOBBES II, p.219 - 242
Week 6
M, Feb. 19 LOCKE I, p. 243 - 258
W, Feb. 21 LOCKE II, p. 259 - 279
F, Feb. 23 DEBATE 4: Democracy is best served by strict separation of church and state.
OR Oppressive government is more desirable than no government.
OR In matters of U.S. immigration policy, restrictions on the rights of non-citizens are consistent with democratic ideals.
Week 7
M, Feb. 26 ROUSSEAU I, Inequality Among Men, p. 293 - 313
W, Feb. 28 ROUSSEAU II, On The Social Contract, p. 280 - 292
F, Mar. 2 DEBATE 5: As a general principle, individuals have an obligation to value the common good above their own interests.
Week 8
M, Mar. 5 MILL Ch. 2 (in On Liberty and Other Essays)
W, Mar. 7 MILL Ch. 3 (in On Liberty)
F, Mar. 9DEBATE 6: Smoking outside should be banned in cities.
OR Policemen should sit in bar parking lots to get potential drunk drivers.
- Also read MILL Ch. 4 (in On Liberty)
Week 9
M, Mar. 12 MARX I, The Communist Manifesto, p.448 - 464
W, Mar. 14 MARX II, Estranged Labor, p. 438 - 448and Glenn Tinder’s chapter on Inequality (e-reserves)
F, Mar. 16 DEBATE 7: A just government should provide health care to its citizens.
OR In a just society people should only have what they acquire through their own work and inheritance should not be allowed.
- Finish Glenn Tinder’s chapter on Inequality (e-reserves)
Week 10
M, Mar. 19 On Obedience, Stanley Milgram – Documentary; Read “In Our Time,” which is the Intro to Part Four in PRPT
W, Mar. 21 Remarks on the Psychological Appeal of Totalitarianism, B. Bettelheim (e-reserves) and Genocide and Mass Killing, Staub (e-reserves)
F, Mar. 23 TEST #2
Week 11 Mar 26 – 30 SPRING BREAK
Week 12
M, Apr. 2 ARENDT, The Origins of Totalitarianism
W, Apr. 4 FOUCAULT, Panopticism (e-reserves)
F, Apr. 6DEBATE 8: In matters of collecting military intelligence, the ends justify the means.
Week 13
M, Apr. 9 ARENDT, Personal Responsibility Under Dictatorship (e-reserve)
W, Apr. 11 HAVEL, The Power of the Powerless (e-reserve)
F, Apr. 13 DEBATE 9: The US has a moral obligation to overthrow tyrants like Saddam Hussein.
OR Civil disobedience in a democracy is morally justified.
- Finish the Power of the Powerless
Week 14
M, Apr. 16 MILL, On the Subjection of Women and M. WOLLSTONECRAFT
W, Apr. 18 Simone de BEAUVOIR and Marie-Olympes de GOUGES
F, Apr. 20 Beyond Killing Us Softly, Short Documentary
Week 15
M, Apr. 23DEBATE 10: A victim's deliberate use of deadly force is a just response to repeated domestic violence. OR
Because women have been long discriminated against, affirmative action should also extend to them.
W, Apr. 25 ARENDT, Truth and Politics (e-reserve)
F, Apr. 27 ORWELL, Politics and the English Language andHAVEL, On Evasive Thinking (e-reserves)
Week 16
M, Apr. 30 TBA
W, May 2 TBA
F, May 4 Final Day of Classes, Test Review