POLI 1021 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 very different ways, with the question of the requirements of great political leadership.

Course overview

Department
Political Science
School
MCAS
Credits
0
Level
Undergraduate
Offered
Every Fall

Catalog details

Satisfies core
Social Science

Catalog text is imported from the reviewed Boston College course snapshot. Confirm eligibility in EagleApps.

Requirements fulfilled

  • Political Science: Introductory Sequence — First Introductory Course (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
  • University Core: Social Science (All undergraduates)

Requirement eligibility can vary by school, cohort, and section. Confirm the selected section in EagleApps or with an advisor.

Official evaluation summary

4.11 / 5

Based on 937 aggregate responses from BC Avalanche/Blue evaluations.

Data freshness

Course and evaluation data last updated 2026-08-02. Source details and limitations are documented in Data Sources and Methodology.

Instructors

  • Robert C Bartlett
    Fall 2026, Fall 2025, Fall 2024, Fall 2023, Fall 2022, Fall 2021 · Official rating 4.49/5
  • John Loebs
    Fall 2023 · Official rating 4.04/5
  • Michael Tang
    Fall 2024 · Official rating 4.27/5
  • Peter Donald Wilkin
    Fall 2021 · Official rating 4.13/5
  • Samuel Helyar
    Fall 2021 · Official rating 4.14/5
  • Yiyang Zhuge
    Fall 2021 · Official rating 4.41/5

Sections

  • Section 01
    Fall 2026 · Robert C Bartlett · Mcguinn Hall 121 MW 02:00PM-02:50PM · Offered
  • Section 02
    Fall 2026 · Robert C Bartlett · 245 Beacon Street Room 215 F 01:00PM-01:50PM · Offered
  • Section 03
    Fall 2026 · Robert C Bartlett · O'Neill Library 257 F 01:00PM-01:50PM · Offered
  • Section 04
    Fall 2026 · Robert C Bartlett · O'Neill Library 257 F 02:00PM-02:50PM · Offered
  • Section 05
    Fall 2026 · Robert C Bartlett · 245 Beacon Street Room 215 F 02:00PM-02:50PM · Offered
  • Section 06
    Fall 2026 · Robert C Bartlett · 245 Beacon Street Room 215 F 03:00PM-03:50PM · Offered
  • Section 07
    Fall 2026 · Robert C Bartlett · O'Neill Library 257 F 03:00PM-03:50PM · Offered