PSCI 3650 - Western Political Thought

Goals: To comprehend the nature and significance of the tradition of Western political thought; to develop the skills to critically analyze and evaluate contributions to the field; to explore the relevance of political theory for understanding contemporary politics and clarifying one’s own political perspective.

Content: Analysis of the tradition of political discourse from Plato and Aristotle in ancient Greece to Marx and Mill in the 19th century, including such thinkers as Machiavelli, Locke, and Rousseau. Emphasis on issues related to democratic theory, economy and property, and political change.

Taught: Alternate years

Credits: 4