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

Over the last century the problems of political life have been explored by liberals (who emphasize the liberty of individuals), pluralists (who describe political life as a dynamic interaction of identity groups), and by critics of these two approaches who tend to give emphasis to the claims of community and the maintenance of public ethics. Is it possible to step back from the heat of the current political moment, to consider together the foundations of the current debate, and to generate some light? When we do, we encounter questions about the meaning of a good life and its relation to politics, and about identity and community. This course culminates with development of practical approaches to the problem of our political moment rooted in a foundation of contemporary political thought. Readings are from Rawls and Dworkin, MacIntyre and Taylor, Hayek and Kirk, and Alcoff and Lakoff, 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): Freshman English, or equivalent