Introduction to Political Theory

Student Learning Outcomes, Goals, Objectives:

Students successfully completing this course will be able to:

• describe the themes, arguments, and figures associated with five major political-theoretic traditions (ancient political thought, modern political thought, liberalism, postmodernism, and radical political thought);

• define and discuss key political concepts such as justice, virtue, truth, freedom, rights, violence, and power;

• think critically, analytically, and creatively about enduring political questions and debates;

• apply political-theoretic texts to comprehend, analyze, and illuminate contemporary political issues and problems;

• write in the genre appropriate to the sub-discipline of Political Theory;

• critically analyze claims, arguments, artifacts or information; and

• construct coherent, evidence-based arguments.

Course Grading Information:

Activity/Performance Measure	Percentage/Points
Analytical Essays	40 points
Exams	45 points
Participation	15 points

Grading Scale:

Percentage	Letter Grade
90+	A
85–89.9	A-
80–84.9	B+
75–79.9	B
70–74.9	B-
65–69.9	C+
60–64.9	C
50–59.9	D
<50	F

Attendance/Participation:

Participation comprises 15 points. Evaluation will be based on the frequency and quality of a student’s contributions to class discussion. Attendance is required and will be recorded in every class meeting. Students can miss two (2) class meetings for any reason without penalty. Each additional absence will result in the reduction of the final course grade by 1/3 letter (e.g. B+ will become B). In rare, emergency cases, the instructor may excuse an absence to a student who has already missed two classes, but this absence must be approved by the instructor before the class meeting.

Course Materials Purchased by the Students:

• Plato. Republic. Translated by C.D.C. Reeve. Hackett. ISBN: 9780872207363

• Machiavelli, Niccolò. The Prince. Cambridge University Press. ISBN: 9780521349932

• Course reading packet (available at UNCG Bookstore). ISBN: 9798331683740