Develop an understanding of influential political frameworks and the relationships among fundamental concepts, and gain an edge on entrance exams for advanced degrees with a Minor in Political Philosophy.
A minor in political philosophy demonstrates to potential employers and graduate admissions committees that you possess a broad intellectual curiosity and a willingness to engage in the methodical and rigorous study of ideas.
Although the 18-credit minor is appropriate for students of any major, it would potentially be of most interest to majors in Political Science, Global Studies, Criminal Justice, Economics, Theology and Religious Studies, Sociology, Social Work, History and Psychology. It may be of special interest to students in the pre-law program, as philosophy majors consistently outperform most other majors on the LSATs, the law school entrance exam.
PH/PO 155 is cross-listed
Investigates the philosophical foundations of political authority and social organization. Concepts such as freedom, equality, justice, and power are explored through engagement with primary texts.
Investigates the philosophical foundations of political authority and social organization. Concepts such as freedom, equality, justice, and power are explored through engagement with primary texts.
Complete at least nine credits from the following. Some courses are cross-listed.
Philosophically examines how feminist analysis can enhance an understanding of ourselves and the world.
Prerequisite: TAKE A PHILOSPHY COURSE
Explores theories of social, political, and economic justice from the ancient to the modern and contemporary periods.
Prerequisite: TAKE A 3 CREDIT PHILOSOPHY COURSE
Philosophical foundations of Marx's thought in Aristotle, Hegel, Feuerbach, and other predecessors. Analysis of Marx's conceptions of alienation, exploitation, historical materialism, and his critique of liberal political thought. Various philosophical responses to Marxism and evaluation of its applicability to contemporary capitalist societies.
Prerequisite: Take a 3 credit Philosophy course
The philosophical study of the nature of law, the legal system's relationship to natural law, and theories of jurisprudence.
Prerequisite: TAKE A PH COURSE
Understanding of the various philosophical and ethical issues raised by a consideration of the environment and of humans' place within it.
Prerequisite: TAKE A PHILOSOPHY COURSE
Progressivism will study progressive political thinking as a general philosophical approach to politics and social issues, present in all times and places, and as an evolving movement and body of thought in the United States.
Prerequisite: 100-level philosophy course
This course provides an in-depth exploration of the ethical implications of artificial intelligence (AI), emphasizing the responsible use of AI technologies for the common good. Students will engage with primary ethical challenges, including data privacy, bias, and the social, economic, and environmental costs of AI systems. The course also addresses contemporary and emerging regulatory and legal issues relevant to students' future professional domains. By building a solid ethical framework, students will be better prepared to apply AI responsibly and mindfully in real-world contexts.
Prerequisite: Take 3 credits PH course
This course is for the study, preparation, and participation in the Intercollegiate Northeast Regional Ethics Bowl debate competition. Students spend at least three hours a week examining contemporary ethical situations. They learn how to frame an ethical dilemma. They learn various ethical approaches such as consequentialist ethics, duty-based ethics, virtue ethics, social contract theory, discourse ethics, the principle of double-effect, paternalism, biocentric and anthropocentric approaches to environmental ethics, principles of autonomy and benevolence. The students also research each case to understand the various relevant factors of each case and how they impact the analysis of the case. Finally, the students participate in an intercollegiate debate competition in which they articulate, defend, analyze, and comment on the cases in a timed, competition format. The approximate time spent on case preparation, study, and participation, averages out to 3 hours/week for a period of 15 weeks. 2-3 hour-weekly meetings are guided by a professor in a seminar format. The students also spend at least one hour a week on independent research and consultations. The competition day itself lasts 7-12 hours, depending on how far the team advances. The purpose of the course is to engage the students socratically and teach them to apply theoretical learning, to engage in research, and to articulate their opinions in an organized fashion that considers all sides of an issue before coming to an ethical conclusion. The goal is to teach students how to think and analyze situations ethically in a critical and fair manner.
This course examines the role of law in society through philosophical texts. It explores questions such as when and how the law should intervene in people's lives and whether disobedience can ever be justified. By engaging with historical perspectives, students will critically analyze the relationship between law, morality, and authority.
Prerequisite: Pre-req any 3-credit PH course
This course studies progressive political thinking as a general philosophic approach and as an evolving movement and body of thought in the United States. We will focus on America's founding documents and follow progressivism from the late nineteenth century to the issues and events of the present day.
What conservatives have in common is an unwavering reverence for history and tradition. Consequently, what it means to be a conservative is determined by time and place. This course examines many variants of conservatism, including eighteenth-century Europe and the contemporary United States.
Examines the judiciary's role in the American political process. Topics include the nature of law, political influence in judicial decision-making, court organization, judicial recruitment, and the powers and limitations of the judiciary.
Complete up to six credits from the following. Any additional philosophy course, including multiple iterations of PH 278, may count towards the minor requirements.
Designates new or occasional courses that present the opportunity to study a major era, theme, or set of thinkers in philosophy, at the foundational level. Consult the current course schedule for available topics.
Designates new or occasional courses that present the opportunity to study the theme of freedom, equality, and the common good. Consult the current course schedule for available topics.
Prerequisite: Take a 3 credit Philosophy course
Designates new or occasional courses that may or may not become part of the department's permanent offerings. Courses capitalize on a timely topic, a faculty member's particular interest, an experimental alternative to existing courses, etc. Prerequisites established by the department as appropriate for the specific course. Course title is shown on the student's transcript. Consult the current course schedule for available topics and prerequisites.
Prerequisite: Take a 3 credit PH 100 level course
This course introduces students to the study of state and society. It examines the interplay among social institutions, ideology, culture, and political institutions. Major themes will include power, conflict, and democracy.
This course explores the relationship between politics and narrative fiction, examining how stories reflect, critique, and shape political realities. Key themes include the role of literature in resisting oppression, the politics of identity and representation, and the ethical dilemmas posed by power.
Examines the theories and practices surrounding popular government from its origins to the present day. Topics include representation, presidentialism, and democratization.
Designates courses that may or may not become part of the department's regular offerings.
The Constitution of 1787 was based on speculation and a series of untested principles: a territory as large as the United States can be self-governing; self-interest can be made to serve the common good; and minority rights can be protected in a system based on majority rule. This course examines documents related to the founding and other readings that shape, question, and are inspired by political life in our country.
Is there a difference between a good person and a good citizen? Do leaders have a higher or lower bar? What does justice look like both within a political community and between sovereign states? This course considers essential ethical frameworks in addressing these questions and more and includes case studies from history and the present day.
Examines the foundation of and challenges to market capitalism, including the role of the state, the market as a means of social organization, and the relationship between capitalism and democracy.
Traces the development of international law and reviews principles and cases in major topical areas.
Themes and concepts related to the expanding field of political psychology. Topics include the impact of media, nationalism, extremism, and security. The psychology of leadership is examined through case studies.
Prerequisite: PS 110
This sociological theory course gives students an understanding of the works of the major classical theorists whose ideas played a central role in the development of sociological theory and introduces students to the dominant contemporary perspectives in social thought. Emphasis is on developing the students' knowledge of the range of thinking that exists concerning social issues and what the strengths and weaknesses of each position are, therefore enabling them to work within any point of view. A seminar format is used, requiring students to do assigned readings before a topic is discussed in class because it is through class discussions that ideas are analyzed, dissected, and critically assessed. A prerequisite to SO 384
Prerequisite: SO 110 and 3 credits 200 or 300 level SO courses
Investigates philosophical and religious theories of human rights, the modern history of rights, and ways to implement a human rights agenda.
Prerequisite: Take a 3 credit TRS course
