Time Schedule:
Timothy A Deak
POL S 301
Seattle Campus
Study of topics in political theory.
Class description
This course serves as an introduction to philosophical and political debates concerning the concept of power. “Power” is clearly central to political analysis and practice—this is uncontroversial. What is controversial, however, is exactly what it means. What is power, and how can we identify it? Who (if anyone) has power, and how does it operate? Where is power located? Is it something to be possessed (say, by governments)? On the other hand, is power something far more omnipresent, unruly, and flowing (through the economy, social norms, even in private life)? In this course, we will use the authors we encounter to address questions of conceptualizing power and its operations, which will include Locke, Schmitt, Marx, Nietzsche, Weber, Arendt, and Foucault.
Our approach to “power” and the sets of questions that flow from our analysis will primarily be that of political theory—the readings, topics, and discussions will take place on a general or abstract level. At the same time, empirical issues will undoubtedly become apparent as we work through the course readings. I encourage students to bring up these empirical examples in writing and in class, in order to look closely at them through the lenses of the authors we will read. Students will use their growing knowledge of power’s many meanings to look more carefully and constructively at the political world we inhabit.
Student learning goals
Students will improve their analytic and communicative abilities (spoken and written.)
Students will be able to read political theory texts for specific themes and questions.
Students will begin to understand how political theorists make their arguments, and learn to evaluate those arguments.
Students will improve their ability to engage in dialogue with fellow classmates about concepts of political import.
General method of instruction
Lecture and guided class discussion.
Recommended preparation
There are no prerequisites for enrolling in this course, although some background in political theory and/or experience with reading texts in the field may be helpful.
Class assignments and grading
1. A 2 page response paper, written in a week of your choosing. I will distribute a sign-up sheet for this purpose: no more than 3 students will be allowed to write a response paper for any given week. This will account for 20% of your overall course grade. 2. Two academic papers (5 pages in length). The topics will be distributed at least 1˝ weeks in advance, and these papers will be due at midterm and the end of the quarter. Paper 1 will account for 30% of your overall course grade; Paper 2 will account for 40%. 3. Class participation. I expect that you will come to class prepared, having worked through the assigned reading to the best of your ability. I also expect that you will follow class discussion attentively and will make observations/ask questions when you feel compelled. Participation accounts for 10% of your overall grade.
