POLT 136 - Authority and Rule: An Introductory Survey

FC SSCI

4 credits
What is the source of political authority? Should the wise rule? Should the good? Should “the people” rule (whatever that might mean) or perhaps the law? What justifies political rule and what are its limits? This course provides a broad introductory survey of these timeless questions of political theory. Engaging readings ranging from Plato’s Republic to modern anarchist thought, the course examines the diversity of historical and contemporary perspectives on the nature and legitimacy of political rule.

This course is appropriate for new students.