Introduction to Political Theory Constitutionalism Ancient Modern and Contemporary GVPT 241 Summer Session I June 2 July 11 2008 Instructor Jeremy Janow Office 3104D Tydings Hall Office Hours Mon Wed 11am 12pm Email jjanow gvpt umd edu Class Hours Mon Wed 12 30pm 3 50pm Classroom 1111 Tydings Hall Course Description This course is intended as an introduction to political philosophy and we will be reading important texts in the canon of political thought The brevity of a summer course limits the scope that any course can take and accordingly we will focus on a few authors and a selection from their seminal works Additionally we will look at how these philosophers address a key aspect of political philosophy the constitution of good political orders We will see that this is not a simple question as there are many diverse and interconnected elements that must be considered together to begin to address such a question These include but are not limited to human nature and the possibility for human improvement citizenship political leadership political equality and institutional design The texts we will read discuss and analyze together will help us begin to see how we can develop a holistic understanding of politics as well as what a constitutional approach to politics and political theory can offer In the course of developing an understanding the complexities of constitutional theorizing the class will give you an introduction to the history of political ideas to main concepts used by political philosophers and how to look at the world from the perspective of a political theorist The reading writing and speaking assignments will improve your ability to read and think critically and will facilitate your ability to express yourself to various audiences Required Texts There are 4 required texts for the course which are available for purchase at the bookstore Most are available in the library on reserve In addition to this two required readings are available through the library s online course reserves There are also recommended books listed below These are available for purchase in the bookstore and are also available in the library The extra materials in these books will not be referenced directly in class but they may be beneficial to those students who have an interest in studying political theory Students are NOT required to purchase these books for this class Please note that I have listed the International Standard Book Number ISBN for all texts below to aid in acquiring them from alternative sources We will be referencing the required texts frequently so please make sure to obtain the specific editions listed below Required Texts Aristotle The Politics Translated by Carnes Lord ISBN 022626698 Niccol Machiavelli The Prince Translated by Harvey Mansfield ISBN 0226500446 Thomas Hobbes Man and Citizen De Homine and De Cive ISBN 0872201112 Harvey Mansfield A Student s Guide to Political Philosophy ISBN 1882926439 Online Course Reserve Texts Jeremy Waldron Homelessness and the Issue of Freedom Contemporary Political Philosophy An Anthology Pages 432 448 ISBN 1405130652 Niccol Machiavelli Discourses on Livy selections ISBN 0226500365 The required selections from the above texts are available on the class ELMS site www elms umd edu Click on course tools and then course reserves Recommended Texts Niccol Machiavelli Discourses on Livy Translated by Harvey Mansfield ISBN 0226500365 Robert E Goodin and Philip Pettit eds Contemporary Political Philosophy An Anthology ISBN 1405130652 Edward Bryan Portis Reconstructing the Classics Political Theory from Plato to Weber ISBN 0872893391 Course Requirements and Grading Students are expected to attend class regularly complete all of the assigned reading before class actively participate in class and turn in assignments on time Your grade in this class will be determined as follows 20 active participation 10 pop quizzes 15 in class presentation s 30 essay 25 final As the success of this class depends on your active participation you will be expected to come to class well prepared You should have read the material carefully preferably more than once taken notes and formulated your own thoughts and questions In addition you should participate frequently and thoughtfully in the class discussion Unexcused absences will detract from your ability to actively participate in class and will be assessed accordingly As an incentive to do these preparations there will be unannounced quizzes that will simply test your comprehension of the reading assignment These will be short essay questions which require an accurate description of the text as well as some analysis The presentation s will consist of giving a brief critical summary and analysis of the readings for the day to the class In addition presenters should prepare questions for class discussion Presenters will share the responsibility with the instructor for ensuring an interesting and lively discussion The number of presentations each student must do will be determined by class enrollment and will be organized and assigned the first week of class The essay will be on a topic handed out in class and will require an argument based on analysis of the readings for class Papers must be typewritten double spaced and between 8 10 pages Papers will be graded on the extent to which they fulfill the assignment and the accuracy clarity and thoughtfulness with which they are written Late papers will be penalized a half letter grade per day late Due July 2nd The final will test your understanding of and ability to analyze material from the books and lectures It will be in essay format Be prepared to recall and apply what you have learned and to write clear thoughtful and well supported answers to challenging questions The final exam will be held on the last day of class Wednesday July 9th Academic dishonesty will be treated seriously in this class and will be reported as necessary Students are expected to familiarize themselves with the information and resources that the University provides in this area the first week of class Please visit the Student Honor Council website http www studenthonorcouncil umd edu students html and the library website http www lib umd edu guides honesty html The University and your instructor will provide appropriate accommodations for students with disabilities Students with disabilities should inform the instructor of their needs at the beginning of the semester The instructor will