Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2022 - POL 210 B100

Introduction to Political Philosophy (3)

Class Number: 3811

Delivery Method: Blended

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jun 28 – Aug 8, 2022: Tue, Thu, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 10, 2022
    Wed, 11:59–11:59 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    POL 100 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:

This intensive, Summer Session course will provide students with an understanding of the historical, conceptual, and normative foundations of the contemporary study of politics. It will introduce students to several key texts in the history of western political thought and philosophy. Through a close study of these texts, students will explore different understandings of nature, justice, virtue, the good, freedom, democracy, power, authority, legitimacy, equality, rights, obligation, and other political concepts. Necessarily, this course will uncover the elitist, classist, sexist, racist, and ableist underpinnings of much of the western intellectual tradition. This course will help students think critically and write analytically about political institutions and life. Please note that this is a Summer Session course, which takes place at twice the speed of a regular semester. Don’t panic. I’ll get you through it.

 

Course Organization: Although covering a lot of material in a short period of time, the course will be relatively accessible. The course blends Canvas Modules (on-line) with tutorials (in person or via zoom). There are two modules per week containing lecture materials, including narrated PowerPoint lectures. Lecture materials are to work through asynchronously, that is, on your own time. In addition, there will be two synchronous tutorials alternately between in person or via zoom each week. The schedule will be included in the syllabus.

Grading

  • Participation 25%
  • Written Reflections 10%
  • Mid-Term Test 30%
  • Final Test 35%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Leanne Betasamosake Simpson, As we Have Always Done: Indigenous Freedom through Radical Resistance (Minneapolis: University of Minnesota Press, 2017)
ISBN: 9781517903862

Charles Mills, The Racial Contract (Ithaca: Cornell University Press, 1997)


ISBN: 9780801484636

Plato, Republic, trans. C.D.C. Reeve (Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing, 2004). G.M.A. Grube Translation is also fine, as is the Reeve and Grube translation!


ISBN: 9780872207363

Aristotle, Politics, trans. C.D.C. Reeve (Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing, 1998)


ISBN: 9780872203884

Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince, eds. Quentin Skinner and Russell Price (Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2000). Oxford Classics is fine too!


ISBN: 9780521349932

Thomas Hobbes, Leviathan, ed. C.B. Macpherson (London: Penguin Books, 1985)


ISBN: 9780140431957

John Locke, Second Treatise of Government, ed. C.B. Macpherson (Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing, 1980)
ISBN: 9780915144860

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 2022

Teaching at SFU in summer 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction.  Some courses may be offered through alternative methods (remote, online, blended), and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes. 

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote, online, or blended courses 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 may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the summer 2022 term.