This course is a survey of pre-modern political theories with attention to their major theoretical innovations, their 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, St. Augustine, Moses Maimonides, St. Thomas Aquinas, Niccolo Machiavelli, and others. This course, together with GOVT338 and GOVT339, provides a survey of major Western political theories, and at least two of these courses are recommended for students concentrating in political theory.
COURSE FORMAT: Lecture Discussion
Level: UG Credit: 1.00 Gen Ed Area & Dept: SBS GOVT
Prerequisites: None
Last Updated on MAR-22-1999
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