POLT 136 - Authority and Rule: An Introductory Survey

FC SSCI

4 credits
What is the source of political authority? Should the powerful rule? Should the wise? Should the good? Should “the people” rule? What justifies political rule, and what are its limits? Does politics need the idea of rulership at all? This course provides a broad introductory survey of these timeless questions of political theory. Engaging writings of several canonical political thinkers on ancient democracy, republicanism, and modern mass politics, the course will identify and analyze nuances and complexities that lie in political power, authority, and rulership.

This course is appropriate for new students.