PS 230 - Introduction to Political Theory

Description
The focus of Political Theory is on how political life should be organized, as opposed to on how it actually is. Through the study of major political philosophers, we try to find the answer to the fundamental question of political theory: What is a good society? Along the way, the course covers the issues of the proper arrangements of political institutions, the most desirable ways for individuals to interact in politics, and the appropriate relationships between political institutions and individuals.

Credit Hours: 3
Contact Hours: 3

School: School of Liberal Arts
Department: Social Sciences
Discipline: PS

Major Course Revisions: General Education Review
Last Revision Date Effective: 20240308T09:35:42
Course Review & Revision Year: 2028-2029

Course Type:
Elective- Offering designed to expand learning opportunities for degree seeking students. May or may not be required for students in a specific GRCC program.
Course Format:
Lecture - 1:1

General Education Requirement: Social Sciences
General Education Learner Outcomes (GELO):
3. Critical Thinking: Gather and synthesize relevant information, evaluate alternative perspectives, or understand inquiry as a means of creating knowledge, 7. Problem-Solving: Apply theory, calculation, or experimentation to demonstrate effective problem-solving

Course Learning Outcomes:

Paraphrase the main arguments of political theorists.
Interpret the meaning of political theory ideas and arguments.
Competently discuss theoretical ideas with others.
Compare and contrast arguments of political theorists. (GELO 3)
Apply the theoretical ideas to empirical research in political science and other social sciences.(GELO 7)
Apply theory to one’s own thinking about real-world politics. (GELO 7)
Evaluate the quality and logical consistency of theoretical arguments.(GELO 3)
Effectively organize communications, ensuring there is a clear introduction and conclusion, the content is well sequenced, and there are appropriate transitions.
Clearly and completely state and describe a problem/issue.
Describe how knowledge and learning from the academic study/field/discipline relates to one’s participation in civic life, politics, and government.
Articulate views through persuasive argument.

Approved for Online Delivery?: No

Course Outline:
I. Political Thought as a Field of Study

II. Ancient Political Thought (Politics as a Common Good)

A. Plato: Republic

III. Politics of Virtue and Power

A. Nicollo Machiavelli: Prince

B. Thomas Hobbes: The Leviathan

IV. Politics of Equality and Justice

A. Karl Marx: Das Kapital (selected readings); On the Jewish Question

B. John Locke: Second Treatise on Government

V. Politics of Morality and Identity

A. Friedrich Nietzsche: Genealogy of Morality

Mandatory CLO Competency Assessment Measures:
None

Name of Industry Recognize Credentials: None

Instructional Strategies:
Lectures: 20-30%

Facilitated Discussion: 30-40%

Group Work: 20-30%

Student Presentations: 20-30%

Mandatory Course Components:
None

Academic Program Prerequisite: None
Prerequisites/Other Requirements: None
English Prerequisite(s): None
Math Prerequisite(s): None
Course Corerequisite(s): None
Course-Specific Placement Test: None
Course Aligned with IRW: N/A
Consent to Enroll in Course: No Department Consent Required

Total Lecture Hours Per Week: 3
Faculty Credential Requirements:
18 graduate credit hours in discipline being taught (HLC Requirement), Master’s Degree (GRCC general requirement)
Faculty Credential Requirement Details: Specialization in Political Theory recommended.

General Room Request: None

Maximum Course Enrollment: 36
Equivalent Courses: None
Dual Enrollment Allowed?: Yes
Advanced Placement (AP) Exam Credit Accepted: None
AP Min. Score: NA
Number of Times Course can be taken for credit: 1
Programs Where This Courses is a Requirement:
None
People Soft Course ID Number: 104198
Course CIP Code: 45.10

High School Articulation Agreements exist?: No
If yes, with which high schools?: None
Non-Credit GRCC Agreement exist?: No
If yes, with which Departments?: NA
Corporate Articulation Agreement exist?: No
If yes, with which Companies?: NA

Essential Abilities/Technical Standards:
1. Essential judgment skills to include: ability to identify, assess, and comprehend conditions surrounding political situations for the purpose of problem solving in political science and coming to appropriate conclusions and/or course of actions.

2. Essential physical/neurological functions to include: ability to use the senses of seeing and hearing to engage in the practice of political science. Behaviors that demonstrate essential neurological and physical functions include, but are not limited to observation, listening, understanding relationships, writing, and psychomotor abilities consistent with course and program expectations.

3. Essential communication skills to include: ability to communicate effectively with fellow students, faculty and all members of the Political Science program. Skills include verbal, written, and nonverbal abilities as well as information technology skills consistent with effective communication.

4. Essential emotional coping skills: ability to manage potential stressors that accompany tasks necessary to safely engage in the practice of Political Science as determined by professional standards of practice. The potential stressors include, but are not limited to, sounds and images of wars, physical conflicts and materials potentially insulting to one’s personal values and beliefs.

5. Essential intellectual/conceptual skills to include: ability to measure, calculate, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate to engage competently in the safe practice of Political Science.