Fall 2020 - POL 210 D100
Introduction to Political Philosophy (3)
Class Number: 8098
Delivery Method: Remote
Overview
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Course Times + Location:
Sep 9 – Dec 8, 2020: TBA, TBA
Burnaby
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Instructor:
Cara Camcastle
ccamcast@sfu.ca
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Prerequisites:
POL 100 or 101W or permission of department.
Description
CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:
An examination of concepts presented by the major political thinkers of the western world. The course surveys those ideas which remain at the root of our political institutions, practices and ideals against a background of the periods in which they were expressed. Breadth-Humanities/Social Sciences.
COURSE DETAILS:
Basic ideas of political philosophy are analyzed in this course by following the development of citizenship a vital element of democracy. Should the duties and rights of citizens be minimized to achieve greater individual freedom? How would a more inclusive definition of citizenship considering the experiences contributions of women influence democracy? What obligations do citizens have to future generations and other inhabitants of planet Earth? On what ethical framework should the judgements and actions of citizens be based? Discussion will be in light of the writings of eminent political thinkers, such as Plato, Hobbes, Locke, Machiavelli, Rousseau, and Wollstonecraft.
Course Format:
The class will run asynchronously with some recorded instruction in addition to synchronous tutorials. Please refer to scheduled days/times for tutorials.
Grading
- Four Take Home Synchronous Quizzes Through Canvas (1 1/2 hours each) 40%
- Two Short papers 30%
- Asynchronous Online Contribution to the Discussion Board 20%
- Attendance and Participation 10%
Materials
REQUIRED READING:
Plato, Republic (Hackett Publishing 2004) ISBN: 9780872207363
Thomas Hobbes, The Leviathan (Hackett Publishing 1994) ISBN: 9780872201774
John Locke, Second Treatise of Government (Cambridge University Press 1988) ISBN: 9780521354486
Jean-Jacques Rousseau, Social Contract (Dover 2003) ISBN: 9780486426921
Mary Wollstonecraft, A Vindication of the Rights of Woman (Dover 1996)
Karl Marx, Selected Writings (Cambridge University Press 1994) ISBN: 9780521349949
Niccolo Machiavelli, The Prince (Hackett Publishing 1995) ISBN: 9780872203167
Department Undergraduate Notes:
Registrar Notes:
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS
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Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html
TEACHING AT SFU IN FALL 2020
Teaching at SFU in fall 2020 will be conducted primarily through remote methods. There will be in-person course components in a few exceptional cases where this is fundamental to the educational goals of the course. Such course components will be clearly identified at registration, as will course components that will be “live” (synchronous) vs. at your own pace (asynchronous). Enrollment acknowledges that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes. To ensure you can access all course materials, we recommend you have access to a computer with a microphone and camera, and the internet. In some cases your instructor may use Zoom or other means requiring a camera and microphone to invigilate exams. If proctoring software will be used, this will be confirmed in the first week of class.
Students with hidden or visible disabilities who believe they may need class or exam accommodations, including in the current context of remote learning, are encouraged to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112).