Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2018 - POL 311 D100

Contemporary Perspectives on Ancient Political Thought (4)

Class Number: 5998

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 7 – Aug 3, 2018: Mon, 9:30 a.m.–1:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Aug 7, 2018
    Tue, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    POL 210 and three additional lower division political science units or permission of the department.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Central texts in the ancient political thought of the west, as well as important and controversial contemporary perspectives on these texts. In addition to texts by Plato and Aristotle, students will examine commentaries by Allan Bloom, Jacques Derrida, Susan Moller Okin, and Martha Nussbaum. Students who have taken Selected Topics course POL 319 with this topic may not take this course for further credit.

COURSE DETAILS:

Because the classical Greeks perceived ethics as a branch of politics they emphasized virtuous citizenship. The foundation for ethical frameworks central to political theory was developed by them and their writings continue to influence current thought. Classical theorists grappled with fundamental challenges that still exist in our political world. Is it possible to reconcile the needs of the individual with those of the community? Where should the primary source of political authority be located? What is a more inclusive definition of citizenship that includes women? We will consider the contributions of contemporary political theorists who used the ancient thought as a starting point for their analyse of politics, such as Susan Moller Okin, Arelene Saxonhouse, Allan Bloom, Martha Nussbaum, Jacques Derrida, and Martin Bernal.

There will be a four hour seminar each week.

Grading

  • Participation 10%
  • Small Group Exercises 20%
  • Synopsis 10%
  • Argumentative Essay 30%
  • Final Exam 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

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

Plato, Symposium, trans. Nehamas and Woodruff (Indianapolis: Hackett Publishing, 1989).

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

Selected readings, available on reserve in the library.

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