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May 09, 2025
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POL 201 - Introduction to Political Philosophy
Credits: 3
3 Lecture Hours
Description
This course provides an introduction to western political thought through an examination of the major texts and thinkers from the ancient Greeks forward. Students are introduced to the classic and contemporary texts that remain indispensable to understanding the modern politics and society. Philosophical formulations of the state, democracy, liberalism, republicanism, natural law, natural rights, civil and political society and personal identity are explored as integral elements of the Western political tradition.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion of the course, the student will:
- Explain the writings of some of the major political theorists of the Western political tradition.
- Compare and contrast how different theorists conceptualize basic political values like freedom, equality, democracy, etc..
- Describe the evolution of liberal democratic thought from its classical to modern form.
- List the critiques of liberal democracy from the perspective of thinkers from the classical conservative, communist and identity politics traditions.
- Assess contemporary politics through the lens of different political theorists and opposing political traditions.
Listed Topics
- Ancient Greek political thinkers (Plato and Aristotle)
- Christian and Renaissance political thinkers (Augustine, Aquinas and Machiavelli)
- Classical Liberalism (Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Jean-Jacques Rousseau)
- Classical Conservatism (Edmund Burke)
- Socialism and Communism (Karl Marx)
- Modern Liberalism and its critics (John Rawls, Robert Nozick, Charles Taylor and Iris Young)
Reference Materials
Contemporary text and appropriate online materials.
Students who successfully complete this course acquire general knowledge, skills and abilities that align with CCAC’s definition of an educated person. Specifically, this course fulfills these General Education Goals: - Critical Thinking & Problem Solving
- Culture Society & Citizenship
Approved By: Dr. Quintin B. Bullock Date Approved: 02/23/2024
Last Reviewed: 02/23/2024
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