20809227Political Theory
Course Information
Description
Political Theory examines foundational Western political thinkers and ideas. Students (a) summarize political theory history and thinkers, (b) analyze assumptions of human nature and social solidarity, and (c) evaluate theories of political authority and institutions. Students will complete exams and written assignments.
Total Credits
3
Course Competencies
  1. Summarize History and Development of Political Theory
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Objective Test
    Essay
    Criteria
    Know history and development of political theory (ancient ideas) (medieval ideas) (renaissance ideas) (enlightenment ideas) (modern ideas).
    Analyze key concepts of political theory (justice) (sovereignty) (democracy) (liberalism) (conservatism).
    Summarize what political theory is and its significance (critical thinking) (problem-solving) (research questions) (research methods).

  2. Summarize Ancient Political Thinker [Plato].
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Objective Test
    Essay
    Criteria
    Summarize the history, background, and major works of [Plato].
    Analyze issues of (human nature) (social solidarity) (political authority) (political stability) as presented by [Plato].
    Evaluate costs and benefits of [Plato's "Politics of Beauty"] to maintain liberty and stability.

  3. Summarize Medieval Political Thinkers [Augustine] and [Aquinas]
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Objective Test
    Essay
    Criteria
    Summarize the history, background, and major works of [Augustine] and [Aquinas].
    Analyze issues of (human nature) (social solidarity) (political authority) (political stability) as presented by [Augustine] and [Aquinas].
    Evaluate costs and benefits of Augustine's "Politics of Sin" and Aquinas' "Politics of Salvation"] to maintain liberty and stability.

  4. Analyze Renaissance Political Thinker [Niccolo Machiavelli]
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Objective Test
    Essay
    Criteria
    Summarize the history, background, and major works of [Machiavelli].
    Analyze issues of (human nature) (social solidarity) (political authority) (political stability) as presented by [Machiavelli].
    Evaluate costs and benefits of [Machiavelli's "Politics of Glory'] to maintain liberty and stability.

  5. Analyze Contract Political Thinker [Thomas Hobbes]
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Objective Test
    Essay
    Criteria
    Summarize the history, background, and major works of [Hobbes].
    Analyze issues of (human nature) (social solidarity) (political authority) (political stability) as presented by [Hobbes].
    Evaluate costs and benefits of [Hobbes's "Politics of Fear'] to maintain liberty and stability.

  6. Analyze Enlightenment Political Thinker [John Locke]
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Objective Test
    Essay
    Criteria
    Summarize the history, background, and major works of [Locke].
    Analyze issues of (human nature) (social solidarity) (political authority) (political stability) as presented by [Locke].
    Evaluate costs and benefits of [Locke's "Politics of Rights'] to maintain liberty and stability.

  7. Evaluate Romantic Political Thinker [Jean-Jacques Rousseau]
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Objective Test
    Essay
    Criteria
    Summarize the history, background, and major works of [Rousseau].
    Analyze issues of (human nature) (social solidarity) (political authority) (political stability) as presented by [Rousseau].
    Evaluate costs and benefits of [Rousseau's "Politics of Citizenship'] to maintain liberty and stability in the modern state.

  8. Evaluate Utilitarian Political Thinker [John Stuart Mill]
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Objective Test
    Essay
    Criteria
    Summarize the history, background, and major works of [John Stuart Mill].
    Analyze issues of (human nature) (social solidarity) (political authority) (political stability) as presented by [John Stuart Mill].
    Evaluate costs and benefits of [Mill's "Politics of Character"] to maintain liberty and stability in the modern state.

  9. Evaluate Economic Political Thinker [Karl Marx]
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Objective Test
    Essay
    Criteria
    Summarize the history, background, and major works of [Marx].
    Analyze issues of (human nature) (social solidarity) (political authority) (political stability) as presented by [Marx].
    Evaluate costs and benefits of [Marx's "Politics of History] to maintain liberty and stability in the modern state.

  10. Summarize Ancient Political Thinker [Aristotle].
    Assessment Strategies
    Written Objective Test
    Essay
    Criteria
    Summarize the history, background, and major works of [Aristotle].
    Analyze issues of (human nature) (social solidarity) (political authority) (political stability) as presented by [Aristotle].
    Evaluate costs and benefits of [Aristotle's "Politics of Honor"] to maintain liberty and stability.