|
POLS 326 , Recent Political Thought Spring
2011 T,
Th 1:45-3:30, OGYM 104 |
Professor
Sid Olufs Xavier
107, 535-8727, olufs@plu.edu office hours: M 11-1:30, T&W 12-1, Th 9-9:30, plus appts. |
The PLU catalog describes
this as a critical examination of the major ideologies of the modern
world. If we compare that with the
study of the history of political philosophy, we should notice a
distinction—the things political philosophers do are not closely
connected to the ideas that help energize contemporary politics. We will examine this distinction by
looking at several threads of political theory—some developments in
contemporary liberalism, some developments in human rights and feminist theory,
some attempts to understand nationalism and globalization, and some
examinations of ethics and law.
Web
Page. Important information about the course,
including assignments,
is available on the course web page:
http://www.plu.edu/~olufsdw/326.htm
Readings. Please acquire these two books:
·
Martha C.
Nussbaum, Sex
and Social Justice (Oxford, 1999).
978-0195112108
·
Sheldon Wolin, Politics and
Vision: Continuity and Innovation in Western Political Thought, expanded
edition (Princeton University Press, 2004). 978-0691126272
See the course web page for
the reading schedule. An online reading guide to Nussbaum
appears on the course web page. We
will also read articles from several political theorists, available on the course
Sakai site. A new majority
party has taken control of the House of Representatives, and this gives us an
opportunity to examine the normative content of policy ideas.
Assignments
& Expectations. This course
uses the assigned material to develop skills in reading, writing, speaking, critical and
logical thinking. These
require practice. Assignments for
a typical course meeting will include writing a summary of an argument in the
readings, writing an answer to a question on a study guide, and presenting or
responding to oral arguments in the classroom. Attendance and active participation in course meetings are
basic course requirements.
·
A series of short written and oral responses to exercises
and readings. 40% of course total
·
Three short (800-1200 words) papers which focus
on the ethical dimensions of a policy currently under consideration. 30% The dates for the papers are:
Paper
1, assign 2/22, due 3/3;
Paper
2, assign 3/9, due 3/17;
Paper
3, assign 3/30, due 4/7.
·
A term paper (about 12 pages in length) that
will follow a schedule for development.
30% The schedule is:
o Paper declaration due—March 31
o 1st version of abstract, description of
concepts due—April 14
o 1st 4 pages (minimum) of paper
due—April 21
o Final Version of Paper—May 12
Academic
Integrity. The extensive use of online sources
presents special challenges to students and professors. Digital technology makes it much easier
to use the words and ideas of others; it alters the balance between university
rules, moral values, and incentives.
We need to remind ourselves how to draw the lines between acceptable and
unacceptable use of online, and other, material. Your first reading assignment is found on the web page
http://www.plu.edu/~olufsdw/advice.html. The top two links on the left are the
university policy on academic integrity, and a definition of plagiarism. Please read both.
Final
Exam Period: Thursday, May 26,
1-2:50