GOVT360 - Tocqueville Then and Now: Theories of Democracy and Revolution

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Academic Year 2002/2003

Tocqueville Then and Now: Theories of Democracy and Revolution
GOVT 360 SP

We will consider the writings of Alexis de Tocqueville, who participated in French politics and wrote an illuminating analysis of American political culture. What did Tocqueville think about the relation of aristocracy to democracy, and of social class to political institutions; how are equality, individualism and political and civil associations related, and what are the possibilities for greatness, revolution, and freedom? How have conditions changed since he wrote and how might he analyze America today? We'll also ask about being an intellectual in political life, starting with his personal recollections and involvements, and moving on to ours.

MAJOR READINGS

Alexis de Tocqueville, DEMOCRACY IN AMERICA; RECOLLECTIONS; SELECTED LETTERS ON POLITICS & SOCIETY; L'ANCIEN REGIME & THE FRENCH REVOLUTION
Robert Putnam, "Bowling Alone"
Chalmers Johnson, REVOLUTIONARY CHANGE

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

One class presentation and short paper, one medium length paper (5-7 pp.), and a term paper (10-15 pp.).

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS and/or COMMENTS

Some background in social or political theory -- from Govt., Soc., Hist.,
Philos., Rel., CSS, or COL -- is recommended.

Students who wish to be eligible for the course during Drop/Add must place themselves on the wait list during on-line registration. Wait list preference rankings will be one factor I will consider in making Drop/Add period registration decisions.

Students who were not successful in preregistering for the class should come to the first meeting in case spaces open up

Unless preregistered students attend the first class meeting or communicate directly with the instructor prior to the first class, they will be dropped from the class list. NOTE: Students must still submit a completed Drop/Add form to the Registrar's Office.

COURSE FORMAT: Seminar

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

Level: UGRD Credit: 1 Gen Ed Area Dept: SBS GOVT Grading Mode: Student Option

Prerequisites: NONE

SECTION 01

Instructor(s): Schwartz,Nancy L.

Times: ....R.. 01:10PM-04:00PM; Location: PAC104

Reserved Seats: (Total Limit: 20)

SR. major: 5 Jr. major: 5

SR. non-major: 5 Jr. non-major: 5 SO: FR: X

Special Attributes:

Curricular Renewal: Ethical Reasoning

Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-18-2003