* POL 411
/ CLA 411
/ HLS 411
- Spring 2011-2012
(SA)
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Seminar in Political Theory - Greece and Rome as Political Models
What political models do ancient Athens, Sparta, and Rome represent, and how have these models been interpreted and used in the subsequent history of political thought? Half of this course is devoted to understanding the political institutions of ancient Greece and Rome by reading major historical writers of the time such as Thucydides, Livy, and Plutarch, as well as modern scholars. The other half explores the significance of Greece and Rome for political theory, including case studies of authors such as Machiavelli, Rousseau, John Stuart Mill, and modern democratic theorists.
Sample reading list:
Thucydides,
The Peloponnesian War
Livy,
The History of Rome
Plutarch,
Lives of the Noble Greeks and Romans
Machiavelli,
Discourses on Livy
Harrington,
The Commonwealth of Oceana
John Stuart Mill,
Considerations on Representative Government
Reading/Writing assignments:
150-200 pages of reading per week. Three papers required: (a) a mini-paper of 2 pages (10%); (b) a short paper of 5-6 pages (30% total: 10% submission of draft, 20% final paper); (c) final term paper of 10-12 pages (50%), together with (d) regular participation in the seminar informed by reading (10%): this may include assignments of various kinds.
Requirements/Grading:
Paper in lieu of Final - 50%
Papers - 40%
Precept Participation - 10%
Schedule/Classroom assignment:
-
Class number: 42192
Section: S01
Time:
1:30 pm
-
4:20 pm
Days:
W
Building-Room:
Frist Campus Center
207
Enrolled/Limit:
4/
15