University of Central Oklahoma College of Liberal Arts Department of Political Science Modern Political Thought CRN: Politics: 5853 (Graduate)

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1 University of Central Oklahoma College of Liberal Arts Department of Political Science Modern Political Thought CRN: Politics: 5853 (Graduate) Dr. Husam Mohamad Spring 2016 T :45 (Room: LAR 213) hmohamad@uco.edu Office: 102 H Liberal Arts Phone: (405) Fax: (405) Office: 102 H (LAR); Office Hours: TR: , W: 6:30-7:30; and by appointment Course Description and Objectives: This course will survey the emergence and development of major ideas, ideals, theories and controversies surrounding the history of modern political thought. Students will be expected to explore original and secondary texts written by political philosophers/thinkers. The course mainly examines contributions made by prominent theorists such as those associated with the Machiavellian, liberal, conservative, Marxian, and other contemporary traditions. It begins with an introductory historical background to the Greek, Roman and Medieval (Christian and Islamic) political thought. Then, we will explore a wealth of intellectual traditions associated with modern political theories, and develop an understanding of the role various political thinkers may have played in the construction and development of modern (liberal, conservative, radical) ideologies that continue to influence today s world. The course will especially highlight contributions made by the social contract theorists, conservative political theorists, Marxists, along with non- Western (nationalist, religious and post-colonial) political thought. Through the use of lectures, seminar discussions, in-class presentations, group simulations, and other assignments, students will become familiar with leading theories and ideologies relating to modern political thought. Students are expected to: identify most important modern political thinkers and their key intellectual contributions; explore readings relating to original and secondary sources in modern political thought; examine relationships between modern political thought and current political ideologies; articulate, through discussions, the importance of learning about modern political thought; allow students to develop their own capacity to think critically of past and current paradigms and turning points in the history of Western and non-western political thought / ideologies. Required Textbooks David Boucher and Paul Kelly, ed. Political Thinkers: From Socrates to the Present, Oxford University Press, 2 nd Edition, Other selected readings (journal articles and book chapters)

2 Recommended Texts: Niccolò Machiavelli, Selected Political Writings Thomas Hobbes, Leviathan John Locke, Second Treatise of Government Jean-Jacques Rousseau, The Basic Political Writings Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America John Stuart Mill, On Liberty Karl Marx, Selected Writings Nietzsche, On the Genealogy of Morality Isaac Kramnick. Editor. The Portable Enlightenment Reader, Lauri Bagby, Political Thought: A Guide to the Classics, Oxford University Press. Ryan Balot, Greek Political Thought: London: Blackwell. Janet Coleman, A History of Political Thought: London: Blackwell. William Ebenstein, Great Political Thinkers, Oxford University Press. G. H. Sabine.G.H, A History of Political Theory, New York: Henry Holt. Edward Bryan Portis, Reconstructing the Classics: Political Theory from Plato to Weber, Chris Brown, Terry Nardin and Renger (Editors), International Relations in Political Thought Roxanne Euben and Zaman, Princeton Readings in Islamist Thought, John Torrance, Karl Marx s Theory of Ideas : Studies in Marxism and Social Theory Strauss & Cropsey, A History of Political Philosophy, University of Chicago Press, 1987 W. M. Spellman, A Short History of Western Political Thought, Macmillan, 2011 David Boucher and Paul Kelly, (eds.) Political Thinkers: From Socrates to the Present, Oxford University Press, 2009 Margaret Kohn and Keally Mcbride, Political Theories of Decolonization, Oxford, 2011 Selected Readings from: David Wooton, Modern Political Thought: Readings from Machiavelli to Nietzsche, Hackett Pub, 2008 It is also recommend that students read articles from peer reviewed journals such as: Critical Review of International Social and Political Philosophy Economics and Philosophy European Journal of Political Theory European Journal of Social Theory History of Political Thought Journal of Political Philosophy Journal of Theoretical Politics Philosophy and Public Affairs Political Theory Review of Politics

3 Grading System and Scale: Grade Percentages Requirements Percentages A % Research Project: 20% B 80-89% In-class presentation: 10% C 70-79% Mid-Term Exam: 30% D 60-69% Final exam: 30% F 00-59% Attendance: 10% Class Rules Examinations: There will be two examinations in this course. Specific exam dates will be announced in class at least one week prior to the exams. Exams will consist of short and long essay questions. Make-up examinations will not be given unless there is a documented excuse. Attendance: Regular attendance is required and will be considered in the grading. If for any reason a student misses more than two classes, he/she will lose 10 percent of their grade. Participation: Students will be responsible for reading the assigned chapters/sections before class, and are expected to participate in class discussions and complete all assignments and examinations. Incomplete: No incomplete will be given unless there are extreme circumstances explained to me before the conclusion of the course. Make-up Policy: Make up exams will be considered in cases where there is a legitimate excuse provided for missing the exam. Academic Integrity: Students will be held responsible for all course-related information disseminated in class, whether or not you attend. Plagiarism, Cheating/Dishonesty: The penalty for academic dishonesty will be an "F" for the course. Plagiarism is considered cheating/academic dishonesty. (Plagiarism is not simply copying others work. Heavy paraphrasing and patching together a paper by appropriating others words and thoughts constitutes plagiarism.) Plagiarism is defined as the taking and using (another writings) as one s own, which means that the plagiarizer attempts to take credit for someone else s work. Emergencies: If a university emergency occurs that prevents the administration of a final examination, the student s final course grade will be calculated based on the work in the course completed to that point. Analytical Paper Analytical papers/projects involve researching and writing papers on a narrowly defined issue and/or theme from topics relating to Middle Eastern history, politics, culture and society. Students can select a concept, ideology, movement, major event, an institutional feature and other case-oriented topics relating to the countries and the peoples of the Middle East and North Africa. The term paper will be pages in length, plus a bibliography and footnotes. Late

4 papers will not be accepted unless there is an excuse approved by me well in advance of the paper deadline. The purpose of the paper is to provide you with an opportunity to analyze issues and events and to carefully express yourself in written form. Papers are due on the first Monday of April. Journal Article Review When reviewing a journal article, students must consider the following: What are the author s viewpoint and purpose? Summary of the main theme/s? What kind of evidence does the author use to prove his/her points in the text? Is the text convincing or not? Why or why not? How successful do you think the author is in his/her presentation of the text? How well has the text achieved its goal, and what issues have the text left out? Would you recommend the text to other readers? What type of readers? Course Outline and Readings: Week Topics Readings 1 Introduction: Greek political tradition Plato and Aristotle David Boucher and Paul Kelly, ed. Political Thinkers: From Socrates to the Present, Chapters, The Medieval Tradition Judaea - Christian Values David Boucher and Paul Kelly, ed. Political Thinkers: From Socrates to the Present, Chapters, 7-8 Journal Articles (TBA) 3 Intro to the Islamic Tradition General Background 4 Modern Political Thought Machiavelli TBA David Boucher and Paul Kelly, ed. Political Thinkers: From Socrates to the Present, Chapter 10 5 Hobbes David Boucher and Paul Kelly, ed. Political Thinkers: From Socrates to the Present, Chapter 11 6 Locke David Boucher and Paul Kelly, ed. Political Thinkers: From Socrates to the Present, Chapter 12 7 Rousseau David Boucher and Paul Kelly, ed. Political Thinkers: From Socrates to the Present, Chapter 15

5 8 Burke David Boucher and Paul Kelly, ed. Political Thinkers: From Socrates to the Present, Chapter 16 9 Tocqueville David Boucher and Paul Kelly, ed. Political Thinkers: From Socrates to the Present, Chapter Mill David Boucher and Paul Kelly, ed. Political Thinkers: From Socrates to the Present, Chapters Marx and Engels David Boucher and Paul Kelly, ed. Political Thinkers: From Socrates to the Present, Chapters In Class Presentations Andrew Shorten, Contemporary Political Theory, Palgrave, Unfinished Materials and Assignments TBA Transformative Learning Goals The Political Science Department is committed to furthering the academic mission, vision, goals, values, and philosophy of the University community as outlined in its Academic Mission/Vision See: This course directly incorporates the following Transformative Learning Goals: Discipline Knowledge of Government/Political Science by a thorough review of the structures and processes of American government. Leadership by examining the leadership styles and challenges faced by American presidents and other political leaders. Research, Scholarly and Creative Activities by requiring the critical analysis of current political, social, and economic issues confronting the American polity, and demonstrating the written ability to integrate course material on essay questions and/or short papers. Service Learning and Civic Engagement Activities by acquiring the knowledge to become an informed voter, and the motivation to become an active participant in one s community. Global and Cultural Competencies by examining the ways in which the United States relates with the world, and is challenged to react to global issues, such as the increasingly globalizing economy.

6 UCO STUDENT INFORMATION SHEET For additional information go to: ACADEMIC INTEGRITY STATEMENT Academic dishonesty includes, but is not confined to: plagiarizing; cheating on tests or examinations; turning in counterfeit reports, tests, and papers; stealing tests or other academic material; knowingly falsifying academic records or documents of the institution; accessing a student s confidential academic records without authorization; disclosing confidential academic information without authorization; and, turning in the same work to more than one class without informing the instructors involved. Each student is expected to engage in all academic pursuits in a manner that is above reproach. Students are expected to maintain complete honesty and integrity in the academic experiences both in and out of the classroom. Any student found guilty of academic dishonesty will be subject to disciplinary action. To help ensure academic integrity, faculty may employ a variety of tools, including, but not limited to, university-sanctioned UCONNECT STATEMENT The University of Central Oklahoma News and Networking Educational Communication Tool is a secure web site providing UCO student, faculty, and administrative staff with up-to-the minute campus communications, single logon connections to check grades, check schedules, add or drop classes, and access online course information. In a nutshell, UCONNECT is UCO s campus portal. As the official communication tool of the university, students are expected to utilize their UCOnnect and/or WebCT account regularly to remain current of campus information and activities and to receive communication from faculty and administrative offices. For additional information contact ADA Statement regarding special accommodations: The University of Central Oklahoma complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of Students with disabilities who need special accommodations must contact the assistant director of Disability Support Services, Kim Fields, in room 309 of the Nigh University Center, (405) It is the student s responsibility to contact the instructor as soon as possible after the DSS has verified the need for accommodations to ensure that such accommodations are implemented in a timely fashion. INCOMPLETE GRADE The grade I may only be given for work not completed because of circumstances beyond the student s control and in which further class attendance is not required. The student must have satisfactorily completed a substantial portion of the required course work for the semester. An I may only be changed to a letter grade by the instructor when work has been successfully completed outside the classroom and no longer than one year after the I was assigned as determined by the instructor. An I is not given simply because a student wants extra time to complete assignments or wants to earn a higher grade. A formal written agreement must be signed by the instructor and the student and filed in the department/school office, clearly identifying what work is to be completed and the timeline within which the work is to be completed. WEATHER RELATED INFORMATION Students, faculty, and staff may call the UCO Closing Line at (405) or check the UCO Home Page at You may also check with local media. On occasion, classes have to be canceled or starting times delayed. When daytime classes are canceled or a late starting time is announced, local media are called by 6:30 a.m. If evening classes are canceled, calls to the media are made beginning at 4:00 p.m., in time for the 5 o'clock news. EMERGENCIES DURING FINALS STATEMENT If a university emergency occurs that prevents the administration of a final examination, the student s final course grade will be calculated based on the work in the course completed to that point in time and the faculty member s judgment. Final exams will not be rescheduled, and a grade of I will not be given as a result of the missed exam. HELPFUL NUMBERS Admissions Office, , Advisement Center, , Bookstore, , Campus Life, , Career Services, , College of Arts, Media, and Design, , College of Business, College of Education, , College of Liberal Arts, , College of Mathematics and Science, Correspondence Studies, , Counseling Center, , Department of Public Safety, nonemergency, emergency, Financial Aid Office, , Graduate College, , Housing Office Parking, , International Student Advisor, , Multicultural Student Services, , Residence Life, , Student Activities, , Testing Center,