PL 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
Prerequisites/Other Requirements: None.
English Prerequisite(s): None
Math Prerequisite(s): None
Course Corequisite(s): None
Academic Program Prerequisite: None
Consent to Enroll in Course: No Department Consent Required
Dual Enrollment Allowed?: Yes
Number of Times Course can be taken for credit: 1
General Education Requirement:
None
Course Learning Outcomes:

Understand the history of political theory.
Compare and contrast different theoretical models of the good society
Determine the real-world applicability of different theoretical models of the good society.
Use evidence-based sources to determine the relevance of past political theories to the current ideas about what makes a good society.
Understand how ideas about morality and justice play a role in creating a good society,
Enable students to create their own theoretical models of a good society.

Course Outline:
I. Politics of the Common Good

A.Plato I

B.Aristotle

It covers all CLOs.

II. Virtue and Power

A. Machiavelli

B. Hobbes

It covers all CLOs.

III. Equality and Justice

A. Locke

B. Marx

It covers all CLOs.

IV. Identity and Repression

A. Nietzsche

B. Foucault

It covers all CLOs.

Approved for Online and Hybrid Delivery?:
No
Instructional Strategies:

Lectures: 40%-50%
Facilitated discussions: 40%-50%
Group work: 10%-20%

Mandatory Course Components:
Bi-weekly reaction essays to class readings, group work, class discussions, two research papers, midterm and final exams
Equivalent Courses:
PS 230 Introduction to Political Theory

Name of Industry Recognize Credentials: None

Course-Specific Placement Test: None
Course Aligned with ARW/IRW Pairing: IRW 99

Mandatory Department Assessment Measures:
Biweekly reaction essays to class readings, two research papers, midterm and final exams

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
Total Lecture Hours Per Week: 3
People Soft Course ID Number: 105152
Maximum Course Enrollment: 36
General Room Request: None

High School Articulation Agreements exist?: No
Non-Credit GRCC Articulation Agreement With What Area: No
School: School of Liberal Arts
Department: Language & Thought
Discipline: PL
First Term Valid: Fall 2022 (8/1/2022)
1st Catalog Year: 2022-2023
Name of Course Author:
Gordan Vurusic

Faculty Credential Requirements:
18 graduate credit hours in discipline being taught (HLC Requirement), Master’s Degree (GRCC general requirement)
Faculty Credential Requirement Details:
The faculty member should have at a least Master's Degree in either Philosophy or Political Science and a specialization in political theory.

Course Review & Revision Year: 2026-2027