POSC 371 - Greek, Roman and Medieval Political Thought

Units: 3 ; Breadth Area: GE-UD-C
Major Western political ideas from the Greeks through the 15th century. Emphasis upon major political theorists in the development of classical Greek and Roman, Medieval Christian, and Renaissance political theory.

Possible Instructional Methods: On-ground, or Hybrid or Online Synchronous.
Grading: A-F or CR/NC (student choice).
Breadth Area(s) Satisfied: GE-UD-C - Upper Division Arts or Humanities
Student Learning Outcomes - Upon successful completion of this course students will be able to:

Students will develop and articulate an understanding of five theorists in the traditional western canon of political theory: Plato, Aristotle, Augustine, Aquinas, and Machiavelli. Students will understand how theories of politics arise out of and have meaning beyond a particular historical context.
Students will interpret original political theory texts through oral and written work.
Students will use and illustrate defined political theory concepts in written and oral work. Students will compare and contrast different political theories in written and oral work.
Students will be familiar with a range of theoretical debates that have shaped political institutions, political cultures, and political ideologies. Specifically, to address our extraordinary current climate, students will use the theorists to think deeply about the distinction between political corruption and revolution, the relationship between Christianity and politics, the relationship between justice and essential workers, why the inclusion of women in public life is so dangerous and how the theorists help us think about re-imagining policing?
Students will work on a range of critical thinking skills that will help them achieve their career goals.
Students will demonstrate through a discussion-based zoom class, the ability to apply knowledge of political theory concepts through collaborative learning with other students and with the professor.

UD-C. Upper-division Arts or Humanities Learning Outcomes

demonstrate an understanding of and ability to apply the principles, methodologies, value systems, and thought processes employed in the arts and humanities;
analyze cultural production as an expression of, or reflection upon, what it means to be human; and
demonstrate how the perspectives of the arts and humanities are used by informed, engaged, and reflective citizens to benefit local and global communities.