Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2018 - POL 210 D100

Introduction to Political Philosophy (3)

Class Number: 6221

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 7 – Aug 3, 2018: Tue, 11:30 a.m.–2:20 p.m.
    Vancouver

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 15, 2018
    Wed, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Vancouver

  • 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:

This course is intended to help students in getting to getting to know more, and engage with, the thoughts of the political philosophers who have shaped the ideas we hold about politics, justice and social institutions. Current political debates are often framed in terms that owe much to the teaching of these thinkers, although this is rarely explicitly acknowledged. The course follows two parallel paths: i) a historical account of the development of important political ideas through the writings of these major philosophers; and ii) an examination of how these works inform current debates about democracy, justice, human rights, etc.

There will a weekly two-hour lecture and a one hour discussion.

Grading

  • Essay (5,000 words) 40%
  • Mid-term exam 20%
  • Final Exam 30%
  • Participation 10%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Peri Roberts and Peter Sutch. An Introduction to Political Thought: A Conceptual Toolkit. 2nd ed. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press. 2012.

All other sources are available either on Canvas or on the SFU Library website.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

The Department of Political Science strictly enforces a policy on plagiarism.
For details, see http://www.sfu.ca/politics/undergraduate/program/related_links.html and click on “Plagiarism and Intellectual Dishonesty” .

Registrar Notes:

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://students.sfu.ca/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

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS