ADPO 1061 How to Rule the World: Introduction to Political Theory

This introductory course in political theory will be devoted to exploring what may well be the highest political theme: the requirements of great political rule. What must we do in order to govern well? Even more important, what must we know? With these and related questions in mind, you will be asked to read, reflect on, and write carefully about a handful of foundational texts that all deal, in different ways, with the question of the requirements of great political leadership and the responsibilities of citizens to that end. In doing so, students will gain insight into canonical theoriesand theoristsof republicanism, liberalism, and conservatism as well as form an understanding of the ways in which nationalism, colonialism, and totalitarianism have impacted the world we inhabit today.