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: [email protected] 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 Niccolò 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 Niccolò 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 Niccolò 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