This course surveys American political thought from the colonial era to the present. Required readings are drawn mainly from primary sources, including writings of politicians, activists, and theorists. Topics include the relationship between religion and politics, rights, federalism, national identity, republicanism versus liberalism, the relationship of subordinated groups to mainstream political discourse, and the role of ideas in politics. We will analyze the simultaneous radicalism and weakness of American liberalism, how the revolutionary ideas of freedom and equality run up against persistent patterns of inequality. Graduate students are expected to pursue the subject in greater depth through suggested reading and individual research.
Course Meeting Times
Lecture: 1 session / week, 2 hours / session
Course Requirements
| ACTIVITIES | PERCENTAGES |
|---|---|
| Class Participation | 20% |
| Mid-term Paper Due by Session #8. |
30% |
| Take-home Final (or Final Paper) Due by the last day of term. |
50% |
You may write a paper on a topic of your own choosing in lieu of taking the final. If you choose to write a paper, you must submit a one-page proposal by Session #10.