GVPT 241 Ancient and Modern Political Philosophy Online Course Summer Session II 2010 Instructor: Carmen Deanna [email protected] Objective: This course is expected to introduce the student to some of the major concepts and figures in the history of political theory. Since we cannot cover 2500 years of political philosophy you should consider this a taste of what the instructor considers to be some of the most important texts in the cannon. We will begin reading the classical political philosophy of Plato. Specifically we will study Plato’s Crito and Apology in the context of political obligation and obedience to the law. It is possible to (and you should) look back on these texts later in the course as an ancient version of social contract theory. Next we will explore the thought of Machiavelli as representative of a break between classical and modern political thought. The bulk of the course consists of the study of three of the central thinkers in the tradition of social contract theory. All three of these thinkers, Hobbes, Locke and Rousseau are critical to understanding the principles that contemporary liberal democracies are founded upon. Finally, we will read the early writing of Karl Marx and consider how he challenges the liberal vision of the individual and their experience in the polity. Students should come away from this course with a general understanding of the basic concepts in political philosophy and the debate surrounding their meanings. They should have a grasp of the fundamental moral and ethical problems of liberty and obligation in the context of Western political philosophy. The course is also intended to stimulate creative and critical thinking about public values and institutions. Texts: Plato, Apology and Crito Niccolo Machiavelli. The Prince Thomas Hobbes, Leviathan. John Locke, The Second Treatise on Government. Jean Jacques Rousseau, The Second Discourse. Karl Marx, 1844 Manuscripts . Recommended Secondary Sources: In the instructor’s view two excellent comprehensive sources for interpretations of these thinkers and many others in the history of political thought are: Sheldon Wolin, Politics and Vision Leo Strauss and Joseph Cropsey, History of Political Philosophy Course Requirements: Participation- 15%Exams – 60% (30% each) Film Journals – 25% (5% each) Participation: Since this is an online course to earn credit for participation each student must post at least twice a week to the discussion board reflecting on some questions and/concepts the instructor will pose. Participation will constitute 15% of the student’s final grade. Exams: There will be two essay exams each constituting 30% of the final grade. Exams should be 5-7 pages (1200 – 1700 words.) The exam question will be similar to those posted for discussion on Blackboard. Exams will be evaluated based on accuracy in style and grammar, demonstration of the student’s knowledge of the assigned texts, and the quality of interpretive analytic treatment of the exam prompt. Good writing handbooks include: William Strunk and E.B. White, The Elements of Style Kate L. Turabian, A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations Film Reflections: Each week there will be a two suggested films. Students must view at least one of the films in the context of that week’s assigned reading and write a short 500-1000 word reflection paper linking the film to that week’s reading. These will constitute 25% (5% each) of the student’s final grade. These films are all available at Amazon.com to stream as “video on demand,” of course you may procure the films through any agent, Netflix, Blockbuster, or your library where available. Other Polices and Issues You will have access to the course and discussion boards through the university websites at http://elms.umd.edu. If you need assistance using the software please contact the Office of Information Technology (OIT) at http://elms.umd.edu or 301-405-1400. You must have a working email account and check it regularly. Course announcements will be posted on ELMS and emailed to the email account on file with the university. Please familiarize yourself with the universities Code of Academic Integrity. It is important that you are aware of the consequences for cheating and plagiarism. For more information on the Code of Academic Integrity please visit http://www.sch.umd.edu. Reading and Exam Schedule July 12 to July 16 Plato, Apology and Crito For this week there will be no films and hence no reflections papers. I will post some questions for thought on the discussion board. These two classic texts ask us to considerour obligation to the state and our community. But be careful Socrates may be telling us something about dissent and civil disobedience as well. Suggested reading: I.F. Stone, The Trial of Socrates July 19 to July 23 Machiavelli, The Prince Films: Dangerous Liaisons Directed by Stephen Frears Wild Things Directed by John McNaughton You are required to view one of these films and submit a 500 or so word reflection paper. This week we read Machiavelli’s in”famous” work, The Prince. What does he have to say about the nature of good and evil? How should a sovereign exercise their power? What is the nature of power and action in the human/political community? Suggested Reading: Sebastian De Grazia, Machiavelli in Hell FIRST EXAM PROMPT WILL BE DISTIBUTED JULY 26 July 26 to July 30 Thomas Hobbes, Leviathan Ch. 1 through 21 Films: Lord of the Flies Directed by Harry Hook The Crucible Directed by Nicholas Hytner You are required to view one of these films and submit a 500 or so word reflection paper. Pay close attention to Hobbes’ psychology. What is his image of humans in a state of nature? Why do humans make the social contract? And whom do they make with/among? Suggested Reading: Thomas Hobbes, Leviathan Part IV Of the Kingdom of Darkness George Kateb, Hobbes and the Irrationality of Politics, in Political Theory 17.3, August 1989, pgs. 383-388. EXAM ONE DUE AUGUST 2 BY NOON August 2 to August 6 John Locke, The Second Treatise on Civil Government Films: Wall Street Directed by Oliver Stone American Me Directed by Edward James OlmosYou are required to view one of these films and submit a 500 or so word reflection paper. This week we encounter another great social contract theorist. Think of the US Constitution and the Declaration of