POL320Y1Y L5101
Modern Political Thought
Themes
This course focuses on a number of central texts from the 18th and 19th century, all of which have had an enduring influence on the history of political thought. By working through these canonical texts, students will be introduced to a number of perspectives in the Enlightenment tradition of political theory while also canvassing some of the important critical responses to Enlightenment thought. Topics the course will address include the basis of political legitimacy, the significance of freedom and equality, the nature of autonomy, as well as the place of justice and morality in political life.
Texts
Jean-Jacques Rousseau, The Basic Political Writings, Hackett; Immanuel Kant, Political Writings, Cambridge; G. W. F. Hegel, Outlines of the Philosophy of Right, Oxford; Karl Marx, The Marx-Engels Reader, ed. Tucker, Norton; John Stuart Mill, On Liberty and Other Essays, Oxford; Friedrich Nietzsche, Basic Writings of Nietzsche, Modern Library; other texts TBA.
Format and Requirements
Attendance and participation, one in-class test, a term paper, and a final examination.
Prerequisites
POL200Y1 or POL200Y5 or (POLC70H3, POLC71H3)