This course provides an introduction to the some of the central themes and ideas of the Western liberal political tradition from the 17th to the 20th century. In the first part, we focus on early social contract theories; in the second part, we explore classical ideas about rights, liberty, democracy, equality, the open society. The format of the course is a series of seminars. Students are expected to participate actively in discussions and to have read the relevant texts. The course requirements are an oral introductory presentation and an essay of roughly 3000 words.
essay of roughly 3000 words.
Teacher: Greg Bognar
Literature: TBA
Course dates: November 6 - December 20
Time and location: Mondays 10-12 in D700. The last seminar is on a Wednesday.
