Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2020 - POL 210 D100

Introduction to Political Philosophy (3)

Class Number: 4015

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jun 30 – Aug 10, 2020: Mon, Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 15, 2020
    Sat, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Location: TBA

  • 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:

Description:

This course serves as an introduction to key normative concepts and ideas in political philosophy found within the western philosophical tradition. This course provides a historical and conceptual discussion of the leading and important ideas that enliven liberal democratic states. Understanding these ideas and the contexts from which they have arisen, affords us the tools to critically consider our own experiences and the actions of political actors.  

We cover disparate and interesting ideas starting with the ancient political thought of Socrates, concluding with the contemporary thought of John Rawls. At the end of the course you will have an awareness of and knowledge of the deep ideas that are the foundation of liberal thought and you will come to appreciate the issues these ideas present by testing their currency against vexing contemporary problems such as gender and racial inequality, multiculturalism, and Indigenous rights. Finally, this course also provides a platform for further development of critical thinking and writing skills. 

Course Organization:

There will be two, three hour lectures per week.

This is a Summer Session course.

Grading

  • Final Exam 35%
  • Midterm 25%
  • Essays (2) 35%
  • Attendance and participation 5%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Plato, Republic, trans. Reeve, Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing, 2004.

Aristotle, Politics, trans. Reeve, Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing, 1998.  

Thomas Hobbes, Leviathan, ed. by Edwin Curley, Hackett, 1994.

John Locke, Two Treatises of Government, student edition, Cambridge Press, 1998.

Immanuel Kant, Perpetual Peace and Other Essays, Hackett Publishing, 1983

Charles Mills, The Racial Contract, Cornell Press, 1997.

Several additional articles to be placed on reserve.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

The Department of Political Science strictly enforces a policy on plagiarism.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

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 SUMMER 2020

Please note that all teaching at SFU in summer term 2020 will be conducted through remote methods. Enrollment in this course 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.

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) as soon as possible to ensure that they are eligible and that approved accommodations and services are implemented in a timely fashion.