Mar 29, 2024  
2017-2018 Catalogue 
    
2017-2018 Catalogue [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

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PO 356 - Our Political Moment: Liberties, Communities, and Democracy in America Today


One of the most fundamental and enduring political problems is finding the right balance between the goods of individuals and the good of the community. Our political debates today are often framed as contests between an essentially free-market approach and an essentially social-scientific approach to public policy.  In recent times this debate has been conducted by economic and policy elites, leaving us wondering about the status of the rule of the people itself.  Is it possible to step back from the heat of the moment, to consider together the foundations of the current debate, and to generate some light?  This course explores fundamental issues in this contemporary debate, and culminates with development of practical approaches to the problem of our political moment rooted in a foundation of contemporary political thought. Students enrolled in the course may choose to bypass the housing lottery and be housed (with their roommates) in the LLC, and we will hold our classes there.  We will also integrate campus events - political debates, performances, gallery openings, a game night - into our studies over the semester.  

Four credits.

Prerequisite(s): Open to Junior or Seniors.



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