POLS 3020 - Modern Political Thought 3 s.h.

A selective survey of the history of European political thought from the Renaissance to the latter half of the nineteenth century, focusing on several influential political and philosophical treatises, the historical contexts in which those works were written, and the continuing relevance of their arguments. The course will focus, first, on early modern attempts to present rational political and moral alternatives to traditional forms of rule; and, second, on late modern political and moral responses to the unfolding of competitive market societies during the age of revolutions. Thinkers examined may include Machiavelli, Locke, Rousseau, Bentham, Constant, Kant, Tristan, Marx, and J.S. Mill. This course will provide a broad survey of major western political and philosophical innovations and traditions. A-E Only. Offered Spring only.
LA
Prerequisite(s): SoS or 3 s.h. POLS.