PSCI 3630 - American Political Thought

Goals: To understand the nature and significance of the main currents of American political thought from the 17th century to the present; to explore the historically developing relationships between liberalism, capitalism, democracy, conservatism, and radicalism in the United States.

Content: Careful study of mainstream thinkers and documents (Jefferson, Lincoln, the Constitution) as well as dissident voices (Frederick Douglass, Emma Goldman, the anti-Federalists). Emphasis on the social and economic context of political thought.

Taught: Alternate years.

Credits: 4