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Academic Year 2005/2006

Virtue and Glory: Classical Political Theory
GOVT 337 SP

This course is a survey of pre-modern political theories, with attention to their major theoretical innovations, historical contexts, and contemporary relevance. Major themes will include the nature of political community and its relation to the cultivation of virtue, the origins of the ideas of law and freedom, the relation between knowledge and power and between politics and salvation. Readings will include Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Maimonides, Aquinas, and Machiavelli.

MAJOR READINGS

Plato, REPUBLIC
Aristotle, NICOMACHEAN ETHICS; POLITICS
St. Augustine, CITY OF GOD (selections)
St. Thomas Aquinas, SELECTED POLITICAL WRITINGS
Lerner & Mahdi, eds., MEDIEVAL POLITICAL PHILOSOPHY
Machiavelli, THE PRINCE; DISCOURSES (selections)

EXAMINATIONS AND ASSIGNMENTS

One short essay; one quiz; one mid-term paper; final exam.

COURSE FORMAT: Lecture/Discussion

REGISTRATION INFORMATION

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

Prerequisites: NONE Links to Web Resources For This Course.

Last Updated on MAR-30-2006

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