Fall/Winter Timetable

POL381H1S L0201

Topics in Political Theory

Classical Political Thought

Themes

This course examines the themes of law and ethics. We turn to classical texts because they are both foreign and familiar, thereby helping us to see ourselves and our present concerns in a new light. Through a study of selected works of ancient Greek literature and philosophy, we will pay particular attention to the theme of tragedy as not just a conflict between good and bad, but rather between clashing, even irreconcilable, understandings of what is good.

Texts

Sophocles’ Antigone, Plato’s Crito. Additional texts TBA

Format and Requirements

Class will involve lecture and discussion. Grades will be based on attendance, participation, writing assignments and exams. Details regarding percentages and assignments TBA.

Prerequisites

POL200Y1 or POL200Y5 or (POLC70H3 and POLC71H3)