Time Schedule:
Jason F Lambacher
POL S 201
Seattle Campus
Philosophical bases of politics and political activity. Provides an introduction to the study of politics by the reading of a few books in political philosophy. Organized around several key political concepts, such as liberty, equality, justice, authority, rights, and citizenship. Offered: AWSpS.
Class description
This course is intended to give students a survey introduction to important texts in the history of political theory from Plato to the 20th Century. It is organized around the question of political legitimacy – whether governments have a right to rule and citizens an obligation to obey. Under what circumstances, if any, can we say that these conditions apply? What happens when they don't apply? In studying the fascinating range of responses to these questions we will necessarily examine themes of freedom, equality, democracy, conflict, peace and justice. Students will learn to critically and comparatively engage the core arguments of different theorists and come to their own reasoned accounts of political legitimacy. Particular attention will be given to ways in which political theory offers conceptual resources for understanding contemporary issues and the political challenges of living in a globalized world. Readings will include Plato, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Burke, Mill, Ghandi, and Barber.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
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Class assignments and grading
