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POSC 115 |
Prof. Barbara Allen |
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Tues./Thurs. |
Willis 408, ext. 4084 |
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CMC 328 |
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1:15-3:00 |
The Course
This class looks at a classic text of international relations and political science, Leviathan, by Thomas Hobbes. We consider the implications of Hobbesean psychology and political science for conflict among nations today as well as for domestic political concerns. The Leviathan is widely acknowledged as THE basic text for understanding "rational" political action and what may appear as humanity’s "irrational" propensity for conflict and war. This work, composed in 17th century England during a time of continued civil war and international turmoil raises a number of important issues for modern foreign and domestic policy making. We will consider how these ideas apply to unfolding international and domestic political events today.
Readings
The following book has been ordered for the course:
Thomas Hobbes, Leviathan Edwin Curley, ed. Indianapolis: Hacket Publishing 0872201775 (Lev)
Requirements:
In addition to coming to class prepared to discuss the readings each day, you will write three essays analyzing and applying the readings to contemporary political concerns.
Reading Assignments
"Tues" Sept 18 Hobbes and the liberal tradition
"Thurs" Sept 20 Hobbes in Historical Context
Read: Lev, Curley intro
Tues Sept 24 Hobbes's Empirical method
Read: Lev, Author's Intro
Ch 1-3
Assignment: translate the ideas into contemporary life
Thurs Sept 26 Hobbes's descriptive theory, human nature, self-interest
Read: Lev, Ch 4-6
Tues Oct 1 The state of nature, conflict 1
Read: Lev, Ch 7-16
Review 6, 11, 13
***********************Essay 1 Due*********************************
Thurs Oct 3 The state of nature, conflict 2
Read: Lev, Ch 17-25
Tues Oct 8 The state of nature, cooperation
Read: 26-31; review 14-16
Thurs Oct 10 Covenant in the state of nature
No additional reading
Tues Oct 15 The Hobbesean social compact
Read: Lev, 32-39; review 17-19
Thurs Oct 17 No in class meeting, bring essay to my office
****************************Essay 2 Due****************************
Tues Oct 22 Power and Order in Government
Read: Lev: Ch 40-42; review 20-23, 26
Thurs Oct 24 Government and Political Obligation
Read: Lev Ch 43-45; review Editor's intro 1-17
Tues Oct 29 Normative theory, moral obligation, Liberty and sovereignty, right to self-preservation, egoism, and justice
Read: Lev 46-7; review 6, 14-17
Thurs Oct 31 The Christian Commonwealth
Read: Lev, Ch 32-43
Tues Nov 5 The Kingdom of Darkness and Political Practice
Read: Lev, review Ch 44-47;
Thurs Nov 7 Domestic politics and Hobbesean Theory
Tues Nov 12 International relations — are the terms and conditions the same for individuals, groups, and nations?
Thurs Nov 14 Discussion of Student research
Tues Nov 19 Hobbesean Theory and the possibility of Self-government
*********Final Essay Due in Class*******