POLT 131 - Modern Political Theory

FC SSCI

4 credits
This course provides an introduction to some of the most enduring texts of modern political thought. We will trace how a wide set of thinkers responded to pivotal social and political transformations in modern history such as the rise of liberal democracy and the emergence of capitalism and colonial empires. In doing so we will grapple with key political concepts such as freedom, rights, justice, liberty, equality, and sovereignty. Our thinkers will include Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Marx, Nietzsche, Du Bois and Arendt.

This course is appropriate for new students.