This course will survey important theories in the history of social and political philosophy. The course will begin by considering on ancient theories (Plato and Aristotle), move on to modern social contract theories and the foundations of liberalism (Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, and Mill), and conclude with the contemporary debate between liberals and communitarians (Rawls and his critics). In addition to reading primary texts and evaluating contemporary interpretations of the arguments, students will gain experience in conducting bibliographic research in the secondary literature.

Your main work for the course will consist of an APA style conference paper (3000 words max.). By mid-September you should schedule a meeting with me to discuss possible topics and a research strategy. On Sept. 28 you will submit a preliminary abstract, and an initial bibliography. On Oct. 26 you will submit a first draft, which I will return with comments, but ungraded. The final version of your paper will be due Dec. 7.

In addition, for each class you will submit a discussion brief (max. 500 words). The brief will be either 1) a paraphrase of an assigned passage from a primary text, or 2) a summary and evaluation of an approved secondary author’s interpretation of a primary text.

The grade for your term paper will count for 2/3 of your final grade. The remaining 1/3 of your final grade will be based on the overall quality of your discussion briefs and the regularity and quality of your participation in class discussions. Note that I will give you an Incomplete only if you are unable to finish your work due to an extreme and verifiable emergency.

You may use any edition of the following titles; the bookstore should have the editions listed.