Political Science: American Political Thought (A)

About POLS 2220 A

Introduction to the main currents of political thought in America today (including liberalism, conservatism, libertarianism, and more), considering their moral and philosophical foundations and investigating them in historical perspective. Prerequisite: POLS 1012 or POLS 1200.

Notes

Prereqs enforced by the system: POLS 1200 or POLS 1012; Minimum Sophomore standing. PACE students by permission and override. Please contact the instructor for the location.

Section Description

This course is designed to introduce students to the main currents of political thought in America today, to consider their moral and philosophical foundations, and to consider them in historical perspective. We begin with the debates around the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, and with the Jeffersonian ideal of an agrarian, commercial, slaveholding republic that was so influential in the early nineteenth century. Industrialization eventually rendered this agrarian ideal untenable, and we consider twentieth century American thought in this light: as an attempt to preserve and reformulate—in many different, conflicting ways—the ideals of the American founding (and the Jeffersonian republic) for an industrial and post-industrial society. We will study New Deal liberalism and the liberal right alongside conservatism and the New Left. We will also explore some of the origins of the right-wing populism that brought President Trump to office in 2016, and the complex ways in which racial hierarchy has shaped political ideas in America. Thematically, we focus considerable attention on the ideals of liberty and equality and their relationship.

Important Dates

Courses may be cancelled due to low enrollment. Show your interest by enrolling.

Resources

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