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Academic Year 2005/2006
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 add themselves to the
enrollment request system during
on-line registration. Enrollment request 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.
COURSE FORMAT:
Seminar
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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Copyright Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut, 06459