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1 GVPT 100 Principles of Government, Autumn 2009 Monday & Wednesday, 7:30 – 8:45, Tydings 2111 Instructor: S. Newton, 5107 Tydings Hall, [email protected]. Office hours: Monday & Wednesday, 6:30 – 7:15, and by appointment. Please note when coming to my office that the elevator goes only to the 4th floor, then use the stairs to get to the 5th floor. THE STATE AND INDIVIDUAL: As an introductory course to the principles of government, this course is necessarily an introduction to political science. The political world, being decidedly messier in many respects than the natural world studied in the hard sciences, has no textbooks or standard method for introducing its vast subject matter. Rather than spending a brief spell on each of the extensive subjects treated in politics, we will be focusing on a particular recurrent theme in the modern world. Our lodestone throughout the course will be the changing notions of the proper role of state and the individual, or the evolving relationship between individual rights and government prerogative. Beginning with Thomas Hobbes, whose theory begins with individual rights but ends in granting nearly unlimited power to the sovereign, we will move to political theorists such as J.S. Mill and Friedrich Hayek, who argue for the supremacy of the individual. After our theoretical considerations, we will investigate the practical import of these arguments in modern America. REQUIRED TEXTS: Hobbes, Leviathan Locke, Second Treatise of Government Hamilton, Madison & Jay, The Federalist Papers Mill, On Liberty and Other Writings Stephens, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity Hayek, The Constitution of Liberty Ackerman, We the People: Foundations COURSE REQUIREMENTS: This course is not only an introduction to political science but also an introduction to critical analysis, or how to think critically about difficult material. You will be asked to present your thoughts on the materials presented in class and in the readings in two short papers (5 – 6 pages each). In addition, you will have two examinations, a midterm and a cumulative final. Participation in class will also count towards your grade. In the case of a borderline grade, intelligent and active participation will count in your favor. Regular attendance is required. More than two unexcused absences will negatively2 affect your participation grade. Excused absences must be for University approved reasons. Participation – 10% Two Short Papers – 40% Mid-term Examination – 20% Final Examination – 30% HANDING IN ASSIGNMENTS: Assignments are due on the day indicated on the syllabus by the conclusion of lecture. I will accept NO EMAILED assignments, only hard copies. NO EXCEPTIONS. LATE ASSIGNMENTS: If you choose to hand in an assignment late, please note that for each day the assignment is not received I will take 3% off your grade. So, if you would have received an A on an assignment, by handing it in one day late, you will receive an A- and so forth. Assignments are no longer accepted one week after the due date. COMMON COURTESIES: Please arrive to class on time and ready to begin promptly at 7:30. Laptops are not allowed in the classroom. Whatever advantages they provide the student are far outweighed by their distraction. Also, please stow all cell phones and electronic devices for the duration of lecture. If I see any texting or use of cell phones in class, I will ask you to leave the classroom. As usual, per University policy, academic dishonestly is strictly prohibited by the Code of Academic Integrity. Any acts of plagiarism or cheating are grounds for an automatic failure and referral to the Student Honor Council. If you require disability accommodations for exams, please have your paperwork to me no later than one week before the exam. Religious observances are always excused absences. Please notify me two weeks in advance of your absence.3 COURSE SCHEDULE: Aug. 31: Introduction and review syllabus I. Supremacy of the Sovereign Sept. 2: Hobbes, Leviathan, Chap. 13, 14, and 15 Sept. 9: Hobbes, Leviathan, Chap. 17, 18, 21, and 29 II. Limited Government Sept. 14: Locke, Second Treatise of Government, Chap. 5 Sept. 16: Locke, Second Treatise of Government, Chap. 9 and 14 Sep. 21: Locke, Second Treatise of Government, Chap. 19 Sept. 23: The Declaration of Independence The Articles of Confederation The Constitution of the United States The Federalist Papers, No. 1, 9, 10 Sep. 28: The Federalist Papers, No. 15, 23, 47, 51 Sept. 30: The Federalist Papers, 63, 68, 70, 78 ** First Short Paper Topic Given ** Oct. 5: Review III. Individual, State, and Society Oct. 7: Mill, On Liberty, Chapter 3 Oct. 12: Mill, On Liberty, Chapter 4 Oct. 14: Mill, On the Subjection of Women, Chapter 1 ** First Short Paper Due** Oct. 19: Hayek, The Constitution of Liberty, readings TBA4 Oct. 21: Hayek, The Constitution of Liberty, readings TBA Oct. 26: Hayek, The Constitution of Liberty, readings TBA Oct. 28: Review Nov. 2: Midterm Examination IV. Individualism Reconsidered Nov. 4: Stephens, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, Chap. 1 Nov. 9: Stephens, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, Chap. 2 Nov. 11: Stephens, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, Chap. 3 Nov. 16: Stephens, Liberty, Equality, Fraternity, Chap. 4 ** Second Short Paper Topic Given** Nov. 18: Review V. The State v. Individual Debate in Modern America Nov. 23: Ackerman, Transformations, Chap. 5. Handout will be provided. Nov. 25: No class, Happy Thanksgiving! Nov. 30: Ackerman, Foundations, Chap. 3 **Second Short Paper Due** Dec. 2: Ackerman, Foundations, Chap. 4 Dec. 7: Ackerman, Foundations, Chap. 5 Dec. 9: Review Dec. TBA: Course Review Dec. TBA: Final Examination, Tydings 2111, 7:30 –


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UMD GVPT 100 - Syllabus

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