POLT 486.  

American Political Thought

This is a survey of American political thought designed for advanced political science majors.  We discuss a variety of works to examine competing ideas about not only such obvious issues as the proper shape and scope of the state and the sanctity of contract, but also the sources and meaning of history, the relationship between various forms of media and individual and social consciousness, and how particular narratives and myths have structured an American national identity.  Readings span American history from the Puritans to the "New Right," from Horatio Alger to Malcolm X, and come in a variety of forms -- e.g., speeches, essays, autobiographies, poems, Supreme Court decisions, and Hollywood blockbusters.

Course requirements include regular thought papers, a review of an optional book, peer reviews of your classmates' papers, and a final paper tracing a singular theme through American political thought.

Current syllabus (pdf)

Links to readings (html)