PHL 240HW - Social and Political Theory - Honors

Credits: 3
Instructional Contact Hours: 3

Examines past and present political and social systems from theoretical perspective. Entails comparison and evaluation of major ideologies and philosophies of the relationship of individuals to political and social institutions. Political systems such as socialism, communism, fascism, anarchism and liberalism will be explored. Provides opportunities to engage in independent intellectual inquiry to foster deeper learning. Credit may be earned in one of the following: PHL 240HW, PHL 240W or POL 240.

Prerequisite(s): LEVEL 4 READING and LEVEL 4 WRITING or permission of the Honors office
Corequisite(s): None
Lecture Hours: 45 Lab Hours: 0
Meets MTA Requirement: Humanities
Pass/NoCredit: No

Outcomes and Objectives

Demonstrate understanding of the significance of main theories of political philosophy.
1. State and explain the main arguments in favor of and opposed to the major theories of political philosophy studied.
2. Analyze issues of political philosophy, identify the premises and assumptions used to support the major theories studied.
3. Explain and clarify the basic philosophical assumptions supporting the main theories studied.
4. State and explain the main objections to the theories studied.
Demonstrate understanding of the terminology and vocabulary appropriate to political philosophies.
1. Define and correctly use the key terms appropriate to the topics of the class when discussing and analyzing the issues of the course.
2. Apply the terms to the readings to analyze the texts and the issues raised in them.
3. Offer crucial comments and questions addressed to the readings so as to demonstrate an in depth understanding of the text and the issues raised, orally and in writing.
Write critically about political philosophies.
1. Apply the appropriate concepts and strategies of critical thinking to the issues.
2. Formulate their own analyses of the issues of the course and construct arguments in favor of them.
3. Anticipate objections to their own arguments and respond to the objections with justifiable answers.
Practice independent, intellectual curiosity.
1. Complete at least one significant project which demonstrates higher level, academic rigor.
Apply higher level, critical thinking skills to deepen understanding of course material.
1. Actively engage with peers in discussions, seminars or other formats to enhance the depth of knowledge of the relevant material.