Political Science 2004: Survey of Western Political Thought

Spring 2006

Recitation Section 011 (Monday 8:00-8:50)

Recitation Section 012 (Tuesday 8:00-8:50)

Graduate Teaching Assistant: Jason Beyersdorff

Office Hours: Ketchum 401, Tuesday 10:00-11:45 (and by appointment)

Email:

Recitation Requirements

Your grade in PSCI 2004 will be determined, in part, by your performance in recitation. Therefore, it is essential that you come to class prepared to discuss the assigned readings and material covered in lecture. You will be assigned additional readings in recitation to accompany the primary texts required for the course. The purpose of these readings will be to serve as supplements to the materials we will be discussing in class.

Each week you will be required to submit a typed summary of the assigned reading (approximately ½ page double spaced). You must come to class and submit the summary to receive credit for the day. Assignments will be accepted late only with a legitimate, verifiable excuse.

Recitation grades will be calculated as follows: attendance and participation (50%), three 2-3 page analytical papers (50%). Paper topics will be distributed no later than one week from the due date. To receive a passing grade for recitation all assignments must be submitted. Attendance and participation are mandatory. Four unexcused absences will result in an “F” for recitation.

Calendar

I. Citizenship

1. Week of January 18

No Recitation.

2. Week of January 23

Introduction to Political Philosophy

Federalist Papers

3. Week of January 30

Federalist Papers, cont.

Shklar, American Citizenship

Additional Reading TBA

4. Week of February 6

Aristotle, Nicomachean Ethics

Aristotle, The Politics (selections)

5. Week of February 13

Aristotle, cont.

Review of Citizenship

1st TEST - WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 15

II. Power

6. Week of February 20

Federalist Papers

7. Week of February 27

Federalist Papers, cont.

Bush Administration Security Policy

8. Week of March 6

Thucydides, History of the Peloponnesian War (Selections)

Additional Reading TBA

9. Week of March 13

Machiavelli, The Prince

MIDTERM - MONDAY MARCH 13

10. Week of March 20

Review of modern and ancient power

11. Week of March 27

Spring Break.

III. Freedom

12. Week of April 3

Locke, Second Treatise of Government

13. Week of April 10

Locke, cont.

UN Universal Declaration of Rights

14. Week of April 17

Mill, On Liberty

Berlin, Two Concepts of Liberty

15. Week of April 24

Mill, cont.

Marx, The Communist Manifesto

16. Week of May 1

Griswold v. Connecticut

Lawrence v. Texas

FINAL EXAM – MONDAY MAY 8 ( 4:30-7:00 PM)

Honor Code

All students of the University of Colorado at Boulder are responsible for knowing and adhering to the academic integrity policy of this institution. Violations of this policy may include: cheating, plagiarism, aid of academic dishonesty, fabrication, lying, bribery, and threatening behavior. All incidents of academic misconduct shall be reported to the Honor Code Council (; 303-725-2273). Students who are found to be in violation of the academic integrity policy will be subject to both academic sanctions from the faculty member and non-academic sanctions (including but not limited to university probation, suspension, or expulsion). Additional information on the Honor Code can be found at

Classroom Behavior

Students and faculty each have responsibility for maintaining an appropriate learning environment. Students who fail to adhere to behavioral standards may be subject to discipline. Faculty have the professional responsibility to treat students with understanding, dignity and respect, to guide classroom discussion and to set reasonable limits on the manner in which students express opinions. See policies at

Sexual Harassment

The University of Colorado Policy on Sexual Harassment applies to all students, staff and faculty. Sexual harassment is unwelcome sexual attention. It can involve intimidation, threats, coercion, or promises or create an environment that is hostile or offensive. Harassment may occur between members of the same or opposite gender and between any combination of members in the campus community: students, faculty, staff, and administrators. Any student, staff or faculty member who believes s/he has been sexually harassed should contact the Office of Sexual Harassment (OSH) at 303-492-2127 or the Office of Judicial Affairs at 303-492-5550. Information can be obtained at:

Students With Disabilities

If you qualify for accommodations because of a disability please submit a letter to me from Disability Services in a timely manner so that your needs may be addressed. Disability Services determines accommodations based on documented disabilities (303-492-8671, Willard 322,