ARISTOTLE’S POLITICS
POLITICS 3332/5305
DR. DOUGHERTY (B206, x5043)
SPRING, 2011
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
This course is devoted exclusively to a study of Aristotle’s Politics, one of the most important and
studied texts in the history of Western civilization. We intend to engage in a close analysis of the
argument of the text, attempting to extract its most salient features. It will be important in this endeavor
that we understand the argument as initially set forward, and notice any revisions that might arise in
subsequent passages in the text. It will also be important that we consider the relationship between the
teaching of the Politics and that of the Nicomachean Ethics. If your knowledge of the Ethics is a bit rusty,
the relatively leisurely pace of the semester’s reading demands should allow you to the chance to review
the work.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
There will be two examinations, including the final examination, as well as two five page papers
during the semester. It is essential that the student be prepared for class by doing the assigned readings.
There will be regular quizzes, announced and unannounced, on the readings.
The University attendance policy, as described in the Bulletin, will be enforced; the student is
responsible for being familiar with that policy.
The course grade will be determined as follows:
30% Mid-term Examination
30% Final examination
20% Essays
15% Quizzes
5%
Class attendance, preparation, participation
A note on classroom etiquette: Be sure to turn off any cell phones, iphones, zphones, Blackberries,
Blueberries, or other electronic devices you may have in your possession; I do not bring my phone to class.
No laptops or other electronic devices may be used in class, unless there is a verified medical necessity for
such. Text-messaging leads to instant withdrawal from the course. You may bring drinks to class
(caffeine-enhanced preferable), but not food. Do not wear a hat in class. Do not do crossword puzzles in
class. Do not read the newspaper in class. Do not do work for your other courses in class. Do not chew
tobacco in class.
TEXTS:
Aristotle, The Politics, translated, with notes and glossary by Carnes Lord. Chicago: The
University of Chicago Press, 1985.
There may also be other books and articles put on reserve in the library for your perusal. More
will be said about that in class.
WEEKLY ASSIGNMENTS:
JAN.
FEB.
19
INTRODUCTION.
24
Politics, Book I
31
Politics, Book I, continued; Book II.
7
14
Politics, Book II, continued.
Politics, Book II continued; Book III.
MAR.
APR.
MAY
21
Politics, Book III, continued
28
Politics, Book IV.
MID-TERM EXAMINATION.
7
SPRING BREAK.
14
Politics, Book IV, continued; Book V.
21
Politics, Book V, continued.
28
Politics, Book V, continued; Book VI.
4
No class April 5 (Easter Monday).
Politics, Book VI, continued.
11
Politics, Book VI, continued, Book VII.
18
Politics, Book VII, continued.
25
Politics, Book VIII.
2
Politics, Book VIII, continued.
REVIEW FOR FINAL EXAMINATION.