Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Fall 2026 - PHIL 320 D100

Social and Political Philosophy (3)

Class Number: 5917

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Mon, 12:30–1:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

    Sep 9 – Dec 6, 2026: Thu, 12:30–2:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    One of PHIL 120, 120W, 121, 220, 221, 270, SDA 270, ENV 320W, or REM 320W.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An examination of an issue or selection of issues in social and political philosophy. Contemporary or historical readings or a mixture of these will be used. Possible topics include: justice, the law and legal systems, sovereignty, power and authority, democracy, liberty and equality. Sometimes the course will focus on the views of historically important political philosophers, such as Plato, Aristotle, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Burke, Bentham, Mill and Marx.

COURSE DETAILS:

The international order: In a recent and much-praised speech to the World Economic Forum in Davos, PM Mark Carney declared the end of the "rules-based international order." In this course, we will try to develop a context for understanding what this international order was: its historical origin, its ethical aspirations, and its political significance. We will also try to assess Carney's vision for a "principled and pragmatic" way forward after its apparent demise.

Readings will be drawn from contemporary and historical sources in philosophy, international law, and political science

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

PHIL 320 is one of the electives for the Philosophy Major or Minor with a Concentration in Law and Philosophy. It may also be applied towards the Certificate in Ethics: Theory and Application.  

Grading

  • Participation: regular contributions to in-class discussion 5%
  • Weekly discussion questions submitted to Canvas prior to class 15%
  • Short paper 30%
  • Research paper 50%

REQUIREMENTS:

This course has a strict no-AI policy: use of AI-based writing or editing tools during any part of the drafting or writing process will be considered a violation of SFU’s academic integrity guidelines.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

All readings are available online, or will be supplied by the instructor.


Department Undergraduate Notes:

Thinking of a Philosophy Major or Minor? The Concentration in Law and Philosophy? The Certificate in Ethics? The Philosophy and Methodology of Science Certificate?
Contact the PHIL Advisor at philcomm@sfu.ca   More details on our website: SFU Philosophy

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.