Introduction to Political Thought (Western)
M/W: 2:00-3:15
PLSC 213
Classroom: Strong 208
Fall 2014
Instructor: Alex Zamalin
This course serves as an introduction to modern political ideologies. Surveying key ideologies, encompassing
liberalism, conservatism, socialism, anarchism, fascism, feminism, nationalism and globalization, we will
consider the following: what is the relationship between the modern state and power, justice and equality?
What is justice and how does it relate to power? How do different sociopolitical standpoints (i.e. race and
gender) shape modern conceptions of “the political”? Which form of government and society is most
conducive to freedom; and which is most serviceable for order? What (if anything) is human nature? Is
democracy the best way to organize political life, and what commitments underpin this question? What is the
usefulness of utopian thought as opposed to so-called “practical” theory, and is revolution ever acceptable for
achieving utopian goals? Is equality an important political value?
Objectives: Emphasis will be placed on learning…
 how to read and comprehend complex texts in political theory
 how to analyze and compare political concepts
 how to apply political concepts to political events and situations
 how to think more systematically about their own political beliefs and ideals
 how to write a coherent, well-argued paper dealing with political questions
Speaking
This course is speaking intensive. Class sessions will be organized Socratically, that is, our knowledge will
advance through conversations in class and we will seek to undermine our own foundations continually.
While regular attendance in class is required, bodily presence in the classroom is not an end in itself.
Students should be in class not only to benefit from lectures, but to interact with their fellow students in a
community of learning. Though this is a writing intensive class, we will not be privileging writing at the
expense of other skills. The instructor strives to engage all students in each class session.
Reading
Students will have to commit a lot of time for reading. Most students find reading political theory difficult,
so students will need to cultivate a study ethic that involves quiet, concentrated periods of active reading
(meaning: pen in hand, recording thoughts and questions). Warning: Some instructors abridge their syllabi
to accommodate the fast pace of introductory courses. Mindful that students in this course are receiving the
same three credits as other classes, I have decidedly not changed the intensity or volume of reading or
assignments for this course. Students should review the reading schedule carefully (when I finalize it) and
consider whether they should take this course at this time. Although I am certain you will receive much
value from this class, I want to emphasize that it will not yield an easy A.
Writing
Students will write two papers of six to eight pages in length. A separate set of writing guidelines will be
distributed for each paper. Students are expected to come to each class prepared to write about the reading.
If our class stays on top of the reading, and conversations are lively, pop quizzes will be a rare event.
Finally, a plea: All written communication with me reflects upon your writing abilities and seriousness
about your academic work. Do not send me an email with egregious grammatical and spelling errors and
then forget to sign your name. I don’t know you as cooldude86@hotmail.com!
Group Work
Each student will be required to submit one group-work assignment, which includes a written and oral
component. Details to come.
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Grading
 Two papers (First paper: 35%, second paper: 40%)
 Participation in class (15%)
 Group Work (10 %)
Attendance
Students can miss no more than 3 classes without penalty. For each subsequent absence, 1 letter will be
deducted from your participation grade.
Completing Assignments
Students who do not complete all assignments will fail the course. Incompletes will only be granted when
arranged in advance of the grading period and with a documented excuse. In order to be eligible for
credit/no credit arrangements, students must have completed all papers before the time of the final exam.
In the absence of this work, a letter grade will be issued.
Modes of Learning
We will try to use a variety of teaching and learning techniques so that everyone can succeed in this class.
Students are highly encouraged to visit during office hours. From time to time, I will also ask you to assess
your learning in this class; feedback is always welcome. Study groups are also highly encouraged.
In exchange for their hard work, students’ contributions to this class will be taken seriously. Papers will be
carefully and expeditiously graded.
Plagiarism
Not only are plagiarism and cheating serious academic offences, they also signify inadequate learning. If it
is found that you have committed plagiarism in this class, you will at a minimum fail the course and be
referred to the Dean for further action. Students will submit all work to turnitin.com to screen for
plagiarism so that we can remove the possibility of plagiarism corrupting our learning environment. Papers
will not be graded until submitted to the web site. Guidelines for using TurnItIn.com will be distributed
with the first paper assignment.
Required Texts:
Nancy S. Love, Dogmas and Dreams: A Reader in Modern Political Ideologies 3rd Edition (CQ Press:
Washington D.C, 2005) ISBN: 1568029985, $58.95.
Schedule: To ensure that our classes will be lively and productive, students should complete the scheduled
readings before coming to class. We will proceed in the order below, but changes in actual readings may be
announced during class sessions. Students are encouraged to look over all readings in advance to anticipate
those weeks that will be heavier than others, and plan accordingly. Additionally, students are highly
encouraged to complete the week’s reading on the preceding weekend, to allow for reviewing notes and
revisiting passages during the week. Below is a tentative schedule.
Sept 3
Overview
Sept 8
Locke, 17-29
2
Sept 10
Madison, Hamilton and Jay, 57-67
Sept 15
Green, 67-76
Sept 17
Friedman, 86-109
Sept 22
Conservatism, 123-129
Oakeshott, 129-152
Sept 24
Burke, 152-165
Kristol, 165-170
Sept 29
Bloom, 185-297
Oct 1
Socialism, 207-213
Marx, 236-249
Oct 6
Marx, 249-276
Oct 8
Lenin 293-308
Oct 13
First Paper
Bernstein, 314-333
Oct 15
Anarchism, 347-353
Goldman, 353-365
Oct 20
Thoreau, 365-373
Kropotkin, 373-385
Oct 22
Bakunin, 385-401
Oct 27
Fascism, 401-409
3
Mussolini, 409-419
Oct 29
Hitler, 419-453
Nov 3
Macdonald, 453-467
Moser, 467-471
Nov 5
Feminism, 471-481
Wollstonecraft, 471-481
Friedan, 489-497
Nov 10
Wittig, 417-422
Shlafly, 170-185
Nov 12
Lorde, 522-531
Anzaldua, 531-544
Nov 17
Mohanty, 544-569
Environmentalism and Ecology, 569-575
Carson, 585-592
Nov 19
Gore, 592-605
Bookchin, 610-628
Nov 24
Shiva, 628-641
Nationalism and Globalization, 641-647
Anderson, 654-663
Dec 1
Nyang, 673-683
Said, 683-696
Dec 3
Huntington, 696-710
Dec 8
Barber, 710-722
4
Dec 10
Conclusion
Final Paper
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