This is a reading and writing intensive course.  The texts have been selected to present a variety of “approaches” to political or social problems, the style and manner of the works are quite distinct. Though the following “different” themes will certainly be focused on in this class – the tensions between rights concerns and the constitution of the nation-state, the political procedures or powers that are entailed by conceptions of equality and liberty, individual development and fulfillment in relation to social norms, the conception of a political community, the efficacy of class and crisis perspectives, and the problems of authoritarian rule.

Basic themes, concepts, and problems will be developed and “carried over” through our readings of the texts. The goal of this course is to impart a historically informed perspective which can: 1) provide a more advanced foundation for study in political theory; 2) help develop varying perspectives from which the current culture or society can be analyzed and critiqued; and 3) give one the opportunity to consider the efficacy and place for differing forms of political action.

Texts:

The Essential Federalist and Anti-Federalist Papers - $9; Kant – Towards Perpetual Peace and Other Writings on Politics, Peace, and History - $18.50

Marx – Selected Writings - $13; Freud – Civilization and its Discontents - $10;

Schmitt  - The Concept of the Political  - $13; Frankfurt School Selections (provided by instructor); Habermas – Legitimation Crisis  - $18