Fall 2015
Reacting to the Past:
The Politics of Virtue in Western Civilization
Prof. Andrew Keitt
HY 449-1E
MWF / 12:20 - 1:10
“What is virtue?” “What does it mean to be a virtuous individual?”
PLATO
“What is the definition of a virtuous society?” These are fundamental questions in the
history of Western Civilization. In "The Politics of Virtue in Western Civilization"
students will explore these questions using a pedagogy called “Reacting to the Past,”
which was honored with the 2004 Theodore Hesburgh Award for pedagogical innovation.
“Reacting to the Past” classes make use of elaborate simulations, set in the past, in which
students are assigned “roles” with “victory objectives.” Instructors advise and guide
students and grade their oral and written work.
In “The Politics of Virtue" we will conduct two “Reacting to the Past” simulations:
The Threshold of Democracy, Athens in 403 B.C. and Rousseau Burke & Revolution in
France, 1791. In working through these simulations, and studying the works of Plato and
Rousseau, students will gain an understanding and appreciation of two seminal periods
that have shaped our modern world.
For more information see the video at
https://vimeo.com/36040043
or
contact Prof. Keitt at
akeitt@uab.edu
934-7083
Rousseau