PHL 240HW - Social and Political Theory - Honors

Credits: 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

Learn the philosophical significance of the main theories of political philosophy covered in the course.
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.
Master the terminology and vocabulary necessary to understand, read and question the literature appropriate to the theories covered in the class.
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.
Think and write critically about the political philosophies covered in the course.
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 intellectual curiosity and apply it in independent ways to deepen their understanding of course material.
1. Complete at least one significant project, either individually or as a group depending on the instructor's discretion, and work with the instructor to assure that the project demonstrates intellectual curiosity and academic rigor.
2. Actively engage with their peers in conversations, seminars, or in other formats at the instructor’s discretion to enhance the depth of knowledge of the relevant material.