POLT 139 - American Political Thought

FC SSCI CD

4 credits
In this course, we will explore the main currents of American political theory through a survey of materials from the Puritans to the present. Traditional American political concepts are examined and re-evaluated in the light of late 20th-century conditions. This course investigates the central problems of political theory that concern the justification and operation of democratic-republican forms of government through a critical analysis of the social contract. What is the purpose of government? What is a democracy? What is the role of the people? Where do we derive notions of liberty/freedom, rights, justice?

This course is appropriate for new students.
This course is cross-listed with AAST-139