Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2026 - POL 210 D100

Introduction to Political Philosophy (3)

Class Number: 2609

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 5 – Apr 10, 2026: Fri, 2:30–4:20 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:

Course Description:  

This course 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, 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 provide students with an understanding of the historical, conceptual, and normative foundations of the contemporary study of politics. Ultimately, the course seeks to help students think critically and write analytically about political institutions and political life.

 
Course Organization:

We cover a lot of material in this course, but I’ve tried to make it all as accessible as possible. Generally, there will be one lecture a week. Students are welcome to attend in person (Fri., 2:30-4:20); alternatively, students may listen to recorded lectures via Canvas. In the interest of accessibility, I’ve developed Canvas modules with narrated PowerPoint lectures, as well as my PDF lecture notes, so that students may follow along on their own time. The modules include additional optional materials for students who wish to do deeper dives. There will be approximately seven 50 minute in-person tutorials throughout the semester, at which attendance is required. There will be three in-person, closed book tests scheduled during the lecture timeslot.

Grading

  • Tutorial Participation 25%
  • Test x 3 (25% each) 75%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

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


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


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!


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


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


Thomas Hobbes, Leviathan, ed. Christopher Brooke (Toronto: Penguin Random House Canada, 2017).


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


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

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

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.