Fall/Winter Timetable
POL485H1S L0101
Graduate Course Code: POL2027H1S L0101
Topics in Political Thought II
Spinoza and the Invention of Liberal Democracy
Themes
In keeping with the Department’s current focus on liberal democracy, we will read the works of its theoretical founder, Spinoza. We will focus on his Theologico-Political Treatise and consider why his invention of liberal democracy was inseparable from his founding of modern Biblical criticism.
Texts
Theologico-Political Treatise; Political Treatise
Format and Requirements
One two hour meeting per week; one shorter essay, one longer essay, take home exam, attendance and participation
Prerequisites
POL200Y1/ or POL200Y5 or (POLC70H3 & POLC71H3)
January 29, 2024
The winners of the 2022-2023 undergraduate awards were announced at the annual celebration, held this year on the evening of January 25. Presiding over the award ceremony were Undergraduate Director...
January 26, 2023
Congratulations to our 2021/22 undergraduate award & scholarship recipients! Following a two-year hiatus, the department was delighted to return to hosting our undergraduate awards in-person this year to celebrate our...
June 3, 2021
In a bid to motivate her students in what has been a very difficult academic year, Professor Rebecca Kingston decided to give those enrolled in the winter 2021 term of...
May 21, 2020
Congratulations to undergraduate student Cheryl Cheung who has received a University of Toronto Excellence Award (UTEA). Going into her third year majoring in political science, with minors in visual studies...
January 29, 2020
Congratulations to all our amazing undergraduate students who picked up one the department’s twenty-three awards and scholarships at our annual undergraduate awards ceremony. In attendance were Dean of Arts &...