Time Schedule:
David Watkins
POL S 308
Seattle Campus
Origin and evolution of major political concepts from ancient Greece to the medieval period, from Thales through Aquinas.
Class description
Description: This course will serve as an introduction to political theory prior to the early modern era. This time frame is huge, but instead of trying to be comprehensive, we will focus on a political theory in Ancient Greece. The political and philosophical texts of ancient Greece have long served as a touchstone for Western political thought. Many of the ideas and arguments we have about justice, democracy, community, human nature and legitimate government began here. We'll begin by reading some selections from Thucydidies and some Platonic dialogs dealing with the trial and death of Socrates. We'll then spend the bulk of the term doing careful, close readings of the two major political theory texts of Ancient Greece: Plato's Republic and Aristotle's Politics. Time permitting, we'll spend the last week or two reading some short excerpts from Roman, Chinese, and/or Medieval political theory. This course will involve less reading in quantity than many other upper division courses, but you will be expected to read closely and carefully. I will provide study questions and reading guides in advance. The course will be large (probably around 60 students), but my lecture format will be interactive and will include some discussion. Obviously, all students will not be involved in all discussions, but you will be expected to participate at some point in the term. Your grade will be determined by three in-class exams and a series of pop-quizzes. You will have the opportunity to write a paper to improve your grade, although it is not required. I'll be providing updates, reading guides and study questions, and news about the course on my course "blog", ancientpoliticaltheory.blogspot.com .
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Recommended preparation
Class assignments and grading
