Course Description
Introduction to the main intellectual traditions of political science. Discusses basic problems, political ideologies, and competing theories of politics.
Syllabus
Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:
Students successfully completing this course will be able to:
- Acquire a working knowledge of the foundational tools for reasoning, including constructing sound arguments, evaluating the quality of evidence, and forming judgments about the evidence, arguments, and conclusions of others in Humanities and Fine Arts disciplines.
- Critically analyze claims, arguments, artifacts or information.
- Construct coherent, evidence-based arguments.
- Understand the major ideologies — anarchism, liberalism, conservatism, fascism, socialism/communism and their historical context, and see where the ideologies are alike and different.
- Examine a new issue from the perspective of the major ideologies and articulate their own personal ideology and view of the role of government and politics.
Course Grading Information:
| Activity/Performance Measure | Percentage/Points |
|---|---|
| Class participation | 5% |
| Newspaper assignments | 10% |
| Short quizzes on class readings | 15% |
| Three tests | 55% |
| Final | 15% |
It is a 10 point scale:
| Percentage | Letter Grade |
|---|---|
| 90-100 | A-, A |
| 80-90 | B-, B, B+ |
| 70-80 | C-, C, C+ |
| 60-70 | D-, D, D+ |
| Below 60 | F |
Attendance/Participation:
Class participation and attendance are 5% of your grade. Participation includes taking part in class discussions, respecting classmates, asking and answering questions. Attendance is expected unless you are sick.
Course Materials Purchased by the Students:
No course materials are required.
Scholarly Perspectives
This course engages diverse scholarly perspectives to develop critical thinking, analysis, and debate and inclusion of a reading does not imply endorsement.