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Academic Year 2001/2002

Proseminar in Political Theory
GOVT 395 FA

This course is intended for seniors who are concentrators in political theory and who are writing theses or who wish to pursue certain topics in depth. The format of the course will vary dramatically from year to year. In some years, we may study intensively the writings of a particular theorist; in other years, we may focus on a particular theme or problem. Some meetings of the seminar will be set aside for presentations of current research by faculty and students. Interested students should co nsult with one of the instructors before electing this course. The course is offered for 0.5 credit, but students wishing a full credit may take an additional 0.5 credit tutorial.

MAJOR READINGS

BIBLE, Genesis, Exodus, Deuteronomy, I Samuel, I Kings, Judges, Amos, selections Aristotle, POLITICS Maimonides, MISHNEH TORAH and GUIDE OF THE PERPLEXED, selections Thomas Aquinas, SUMMA THEOLOGICA and OF KINGSHIP, selections Leo Strauss, "Jerusalem and Athens: Some Preliminary Reflections" Adin Steinsaltz, ed., TALMUD, selections

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

Class presentation, essay.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

This year's topic will be "Jerusalem and Athens: Religion and Philosophy in Politics." Two approaches to thinking about the human condition stand at the beginning of western political thought. How are they distinct and what do they have in common? Are they irreconcilable, or can they be brought together? Choice of readings will be set in response to student interests. The course will meet once every two weeks. Students who wish to take this course for full credit may take a one-half credit tutorial with one of the instructors and do additional writing.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD    Credit: .5    Gen Ed Area Dept: NONE    Grading Mode: Student Option   

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-19-2002

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