Time Schedule:
Sooenn Park
POL S 273
Seattle Campus
How to understand and explain relationships of power. Readings from Marxism, Weberian sociology, anarchism, classical political philosophy, and contemporary political science. May also include works of fiction.
Class description
Why and in what ways does the concept and phenomenon of power become a political “problem” in modern politics? How should we locate power in the historical development of modernity in the midst of the general tendency toward industrialization, capitalization, democratization, and liberalization? In this course, we will read political theorists including Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Marx, Gramsci, Althusser, and Foucault to explore ways to understand the centrality of power as a political problem in our existence and imagination today. Students are encouraged to consider and examine how power produces or prevents, or is itself produced or prevented by, such principles and practices as freedom, equality, friendship, community and justice.
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Lecture, films, students' presentation, and discussion
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
Participation, 25%; Presentation 25%; Response papers 25%; Final Exam 25%
