Political Theory and Methodology

POL 302 Perspectives on Social Justice

Introduction to social justice theory and practice. Course engages theoretical and empirical connections between social justice concerns and capitalism, governance and religion. Several social justice frameworks are explored and critiqued. We analyze tensions and opportunities for furthering the common good within existing societal systems in both the US and the world. 

3

POL 305 Ancient and Medieval Political Thought

This course covers the major classics of political thought from Western antiquity through the Medieval period. It explores the origins of western political philosophy in ancient Greece in the writings of Thucydides, Plato, and Aristotle, and then charts its further development in Christendom in the works of St Augustine and St Thomas Aquinas.

3

POL 306 Modern Political Thought

This course covers the major classics of political thought of the Modern Era through the 19th century. It begins with the Renaissance writings of Machiavelli and moves through the political works of such modern thinkers as Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Marx, Nietzsche, and Mill.

3

POL 307 Contemporary Political Theory

Constitutional liberal democracy has established itself as the only legitimate form of political organization in the developed West. This course examines contemporary theories and critiques of liberal democracy.

3

POL 314 American Political Thought

A survey of writings representative of American political theory, including selections from colonial and revolutionary political thought, the constitutional debates, Federalist, Jeffersonian, and Jacksonian thought, theories of slavery, abolitionism, reconstruction and Social Darwinism, progressivism and post World War II thought, and contemporary theories of liberalism, conservatism and communitarianism.

3

POL 317 Resistance, Social Movements, and Revolution

This course explores resistance, social movements, and revolutions in a global context. We examine contemporary forms of resistance, explore strategies of social movements, and study revolutionary leaders as a means of understanding how collective action can lead to change.  

3

POL 319 Politics and Identity

This course explores the relationship between politics and identity through the lens of intersectionality. We study a range of collective identities including nationality/citizenship, class/status, race/ethnicity, gender/sexuality, religion/belief, migration/indigeneity, and political interests to understand how identities are formed, framed, and practiced. 

3