1 GVPT 100: Principles of Government and Politics Summer Session I: June 1 – July 9, 2010 Instructor: Ben West [email protected] Office Hours: By Appointment Course Website: elms.umd.edu “[T]he ideas of economists and political philosophers, both when they are right and when they are wrong, are more powerful than is commonly understood. Indeed the world is ruled by little else. Practical men, who believe themselves to be quite exempt from any intellectual influences are usually the slaves of some defunct economist. Madmen in authority, who hear voices in the air, are distilling their frenzy from some academic scribbler of a few years back.” John Maynard Keynes (1883-1946), British economist The General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money, pg. 383 Course Overview As Keynes tells us, political ideas are more than abstract notions we find in dusty, old books. These ideas shape our political practices, reflect our political concerns and affect how we think about politics. In contemporary times, the most significant political idea is often said to be “liberalism.” This course, then, introduces the principles of government and politics by examining the complex idea of liberalism. We begin by studying the theoretical roots of liberalism: its view of human nature, its goals and its political implications. Building on this theoretical foundation, we next consider how the American political order is a descendent of liberalism: what was produced, how did debates play out and what are the boundaries of American ideology? Finally, we analyze the contributions of liberalism's critics: is liberal society ultimately a satisfying form of collective human existence? Readings All readings will be available on Blackboard. As a class, we will encounter the works of political theorists, social scientists, public intellectuals, journalists, politicians and propagandists. We will read philosophical treatises, contemporary scholarship, political pamphlets, letters and op-eds. Some texts are more normative, while others are more empirical. There are readings from mainstream discourse as well as from the more provocative fringe. Together, the readings will introduce you to the vast panoply of political life. Format, Requirements and Policies Blackboard: Log on to elms.umd.edu to access the class. This is the space where announcements, assignments, readings, discussion threads and other relevant course material will be posted. All of us will participate in the class via Blackboard. If you encounter technical difficulties, please contact the Office of Information Technology: [email protected], 301-405-1400, 1400 Computer Space and Space Science Building. Discussion Threads (40%): On Monday and Wednesday mornings I will post discussion threads with2 questions and comments about the readings. You are expected to post in each thread with a thoughtful response of approximately 250 words. You may respond to my initial prompt, or to other students’ comments. In either case, be sure to demonstrate that you have engaged the texts seriously (e.g., refer to specific authors/texts, use quotations, etc.). In order for the class to move at the same pace, you will have to post in Monday morning’s thread by Tuesday before midnight and Wednesday morning’s thread by Thursday before midnight. Reaction Papers (40%): Reaction papers are two-to-three page responses to a particular reading or a set of readings. In these papers you should critically evaluate the authors and arguments that you find interesting or provocative. Remember, I want to hear your reactions—not summaries. You will be responsible for submitting three reaction papers to me. They are due on June 15, June 22 and June 29. Final Exam (20%): The final exam will consist of several short-essay questions. It will be distributed via Blackboard on Thursday, July 1. It is due Friday, July 9 before midnight. Attendance and Deadlines: Complete the readings and post in the discussion threads on the due dates. Submit a reaction paper on June 15, June 22 and June 29. Hand in the final on July 9. One full letter grade will be deducted for each class period an assignment is late. If you have an authorized excuse for missing a deadline, please speak with me. Grading Scale: A > 90, B > 80, C > 70, D > 60, F < 60 Academic Integrity: The UMCP Code of Academic Integrity will be enforced. Please consult the Office of Student Conduct for more information: www.studentconduct.umd.edu Students with Disabilities: Students with Disabilities will be accommodated. Please inform me of your needs by June 4. Religious Observances: Please notify me by June 4 of any absences relating to religious observances. Classroom Philosophy and Course Objectives In this course, I'm aiming to do more than provide you with a firm background in politics. This course should aid you in thinking theoretically and critically about politics by engaging with the texts as well as one another. The classroom environment should also facilitate the acquisition and development of analytical and interpretive skills, intellectual judgment and political insight. We will learn to cultivate these abilities by thoughtfully reading difficult texts, by asking pertinent questions and by expressing our thoughts with purpose and clarity. In order to achieve these objectives, it is imperative that we approach the topics, the authors and our classmates with care and respect. Ultimately, we should participate in the long conversation of political thought by acknowledging the complexities of politics, rather than trying to find a single, right answer. Student and Instructor Expectations Preparation: Approach the readings with your undivided attention. As you read, bear in mind that your first task is to understand what the author is arguing. To this end, you should read slowly and with care. Take notes, underline and highlight the texts. Ideally, the readings should be done more than3 once. Write down any questions you have and they will be covered during lecture, class discussion or through personal communication with me. I will post lecture notes and video logs to clarify the material. Participation: The