Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2025 - POL 210 D100

Introduction to Political Philosophy (3)

Class Number: 2866

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 3 – Dec 2, 2025: Tue, 2:30–4:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Dec 15, 2025
    Mon, 12:00–3:00 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 is intended to help students 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 it is rarely explicitly acknowledged. Understanding how these ideas emerged and which ones they replaced or to which they are still standing in opposition is the best way to develop critical thinking skills. 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, liberty, justice, human rights, etc.

Course Organization:

There will be a weekly two-hour lecture; discussions and students’ presentations will take place in weekly tutorials.

Grading

  • Essay (10 pp./2,500 words) 40%
  • Mid-term exam 20%
  • Participation (including presentation) 10%
  • Final exam 30%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

We will make extensive use of classical texts available on the Internet and of digital versions of journal articles accessible through the SFU Library. Most of these texts will also be posted on Canvas.


RECOMMENDED READING:

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


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.