INTRODUCTION TO POLITICAL SCIENCE
POL 110
SYLLABUS
| Dr. Robert M. Ruff Professor of History and Political Science |
Office: Caudill-109
Phone: 452-8600, Ext. 3236 |
| Address: 222
Waterview Drive Hendersonville, TN 37075 Phone: 824-9748 |
Please feel free to come by and talk to me. |
“We are each of us angels with only one wing, and we can only fly embracing each other.”
Inventors of Ideas: An Introduction to Western Political
Philosophy. 2nd Edition
By Donald Tannenbaum and David Schultz
Political Ideologies: An Introduction. 2nd Edition
How can I, that girl standing there,
My attention fix
On Roman or on Russian
Or on Spanish politics?
Yet here’s a traveled man that knows
What he talks about,
And there’s a politician,
That has read and thought,
And maybe what they say is true
Of War and war’s alarms.
But O that I were young again
And held her in my arms!
---William Butler Yeats
Political Science/ is: “The scientific study of politics.”
“The allocation of resources in society.”
“Who gets what, when, where, and how.”
Politics/ is: “Not science but art.”
“The art of the possible.”
“That set of human problems for which
I think I don’t know.”
---R.D. Laing
Political Science --- “Critical thinking about politics.”
COURSE OBJECTIVES:
For students to:
1. Think critically- Reading critically and analyzing through oral and written discussion ideas on politics, ideology, and philosophy.
2. Acquire skills for writing documented papers.
3. To demonstrate that writing skills learned in English class can transfer to other classes.
4. Acquire understanding.
5. Search for TRUTH.
“A little learning is a dangerous thing. Drink deep. Or touch not the Pierian spring.”
---Alexander Pope
This course is dedicated to the most revolutionary of all human activities – critical thinking. Recent research in the teaching of writing indicates that all writing is thinking (Emig, Tierney, Flower, and Hayes, Britten.) Thus, writing about politics helps a student to learn politics.
Testing- Though none of us like it, there will be three exams. No make-up exam will be given unless you call me before the exam.
“I suppose it is tempting, if the only tool you have is a hammer, to treat everything as if it were a nail.”
---Abraham Maslow
In this course, there is no one answer to an essay question; use your imaginatio-
Think- be creative!
YOU MUST Maintain a Critical Thinking Journal.
Keeping a Critical Thinking Journal: An Intellectual Odyssey
Through Political Science- POL 110
1) A critical thinking journal is a personal, but not private, record of your responses to what you are reading or thinking at that moment. It is written in an informal style that reflects your personality – don’t attempt to sound scholarly, or formal, unless of course you are scholarly or formal. Ideally, the journal writer should give his reader the impression of reading over his shoulder.
2) Write in longhand; do not type your journal unless you habitually type first impressions. You don’t have to write something everyday, but don’t wait until the night before it is due to write up your journal.
3) Put in your journal your honest opinions, comments, analyses, insights, and questions. Give your responses, intellectual and emotional, to your reading and class developments.
4) Possible things to write as you read:
a) Ask questions about particular things that bother you. You get an answer when your journal is returned.
b) Make comparisons between people, events, and ideas inpast to present.
c) If you see a pattern in the events of history, explain it.
d) Talk about the characters. Why you like or dislike them. What are their motivations? What kind of people are they? How you know, or why you are not sure.
e) Comment on ideas, people or episodes that seem particularly important to you.
5) If you like something say so, if you don’t, explain.
6) Don’t try to deal with all aspects of political Science, text, or class. Develop your topics, and be specific. Don’t just make general comments.
7) Some reading will interest you more than others. But approach each with
the assurance that you will come away from reading of it with a greater understanding of the past, present, and yourself.
“Thus spoke the Devil to me once: God too has his HELL. That is his love of MAN.”
----Friedrich Nietzsche
Critical Thinking Blog
Terms:
“Blog” is internet shorthand for “Web Log.”
Someone who keeps a blog is called a blogger.
Blogger.com is a site that provides a simple way of creating/maintaining a weblog.
Blogspot hosts your web page.
Creating a Blog at Blogger.com:
Set up an email account if don’t already have one. Vol State provides one, or you can set up a free account at Hotmail or Yahoo. Also, choose a title for your blog-the possibilities are nearly endless.
Go to Blogger.com. At the top of the page is a light blue box that says “Create your own journal.” Click the “Start Now” button.
The nest screen will ask for a username and password. Choose something you can remember. Your username can be anything; it doesn’t have to be your real name. Same thing for the boxes below this, which will ask for your first and last name. The email address should be valid, though. You may need to contact Blogger.com if you’ve forgotten your password or have other difficulties with the blog.
The next screen will ask for the title of your blog and a short description. After completing this, choose whether you want your blog to be public or not.
The next page will ask where you want the blog to be hosted. If you already have a website, feel free to host it there. If you do not, choose “Host at Blogspot.” This service is free.
If you choose to host at Blogspot, the next screen will ask for the address for your blog. The simplest choice: use the name of your journal. If it has more than one word, connect them with an underline like_this, or run them together likethis. No spaces are allowed.
The major steps are now done. Blogger.com will walk you through the rest, including choosing a design for the page.
Blogging
Go to Blogger.com. Sign in on the right-hand side of the page.
This will open up the page where you’ll be typing your blog entries. The smaller white at the top is for new entries. The larger box at the bottom will show entries once they’re posted.
The key to getting the blog to work consistently is to keep in mind that “post” means just saving the entry. Use the “post” only when you want to add more or edit the entry later. The posting won’t go anywhere yet—it’ll be kept safe, but that’s all.
“Post and publish” will put the entry on your blog and make it available for viewing. You must “Post and Publish” to actually write the entry to your Blogspot web page—without this your journal entry won’t show up on the web page.
If you have problems with posting, contact one of your instructors right away. Consider taking a look at Blogger.com’s help files, as well. Don’t wait a couple of weeks to let us know it’s not working.
Outcomes/Statements: Upon successful completion of this course the student will have demonstrated the ability to:
b) Analyze and evaluate political issues from different perspectives.
2) Debate classic issues and determine personal conclusions on topics such
as:
a) Is government necessary?
b) Who should rule: Philosopher King or The Common Man?
c) Will nationalism be outdated for the 21st century?
d) Is Nationalism divisive?
e) Does Nationalism lead to war?
f) Is rule by the king possible?
g) Do democracies represent the elite or the masses?
h) Does democracy produce worse governments than dictatorships?
i) Are dictatorships better able to deal with foreign policy than democracies?
j) Has Marxism been vindicated?
k) Should the west redistribute its wealth to third world countries?
3) Define and distinguish between politics, political science, government, the
state, and nation.
4) Define the varieties of democracy.
5) Comprehend the difference between democratic, authoritarian, and
totalitarian regimes.
6) Define and understand the meaning and significance of ideology.
7) Analyze and compare the ideologies of liberalism, conversation, fascism,
capitalism, socialism, capitalism and anarchism, fundamentalism.
8) Define patriotism, chauvinism, imperialism, ethnocentrism, Zionism, and
nationalism.
9) Analyze and comprehend the common characteristics of the totalitarian
ideologies – fascism, nazism, and communism, and fundamentalism.
10) Identify and explain the influence of the following philosophers:
a) Plato
b) Socrates
c) Aristotle (384-322 B.C.)
d) Machiavelli (1469-1527)
e) Jean Bodin (1530-1596)
f) Tomas Hobbes, Leviathan (1588-1679)
g) John Locke
h) Jean Jacques Roussean (1712-1778)
i) Mary Wollstone
11) Describe the background, evolution, and characteristics of Liberalism.
12) Explain the influence of the “fathers” of liberalism: a) Hobbes
b) John Locke
c) Tomas Paine
d) T. Jefferson
e) John Stuart Mill
13) Judge debate between Edmund Burke, Reflections on the Revolution in France and Tomas Paine, The Rights of Man.
14) Explain the difference between:
a) classical liberalism
b) reform liberalism
c) neo liberalism
15) Define “Empiricism”
16) Explain the concept of the “ social contract”.
17) Understand the background and characteristics of conservatism.
18) Identify the Philosopher Aristotle and discuss the influence of his ideas on
Political thought.
19) Explain the concept of the “organic state.”
20) Discuss the influence of thinkers as Edmund Burke, Reflections on the
Revolution in France and Peter Viereck, Conservatism Revisited on
Conservative ideology.
21) Explain the difference between conservatism, neo conservatism and the new
conservatives.
22) Judge the debate between Edmund Burke (conservatism) and Thomas Paine
(liberalism).
23) Comprehend the reasons for the triumph of fascism in Italy and naziism
in Germany.
24. Evaluate the career of: a) Benito Mussolini (1883-1943)
b) Adolph Hitler
25. Identify:
a) Friedrich Nietzsche
b) Social Darwinism
c) The Corporate State
d) Rosa Luxenberg
e) “Blut and Boden”
f) “Volk”
g) H Duce
h) Der Fruhrer
26) Organize, analyze, and comprehend the separate sources of Marxist Theory:
a) Classical Capitalist Theory
b) Utopian Socialism
c) German Romantic Philosophy
27) Explain the influence of Adam Smith, Thomas R. Malthus, David Ricardo, and
capitalist thinkers on Marxist theory.
28) Identify and explain:
a) the law of supply and demand
b) iron law of wages
c) theory of subsistence wages
d) labor theory of value
e) “laissez faire”
29) Evaluate he ideas of Robert Owen, Henride Saint Simon, Charles Fourier,
and Pierre Proudhom and their influence on socialist theory.
30) Discuss the philosophy and influence of Ludwig Feuerbach and G.W.F. Hegel
on Marxism.
31) Wvaluate the writings of Karl Marx and Frederich Engals:
a) Communist Manifesto (1848)
b) Das Kapital
32) Discuss the Marxism concepts of:
a) alienation
b) bourgeoisie
c) proletariat
d) substructure
e) superstructure
f) thesis, anti-thesis, synthesis
g) dialectical materialism
h) theory of surplus value
i) class struggle
33) Explain the differences among :
a) Democratic Socialism
b) Utopian Socialism
c) Castroism
d) Communism in Vietnam
e) Communism in China
f) “ Market Communism”
34) Evaluate the significance of Russian historical evolution and Russian national
Interest on the U.S.S.R.
35) Critique the influence of the following figures on Communist ideology:
a) V.I. Lenin
b) Leon Trotsky
c) Joseph Stalin
d) Mao Tse-tung
e) Ho Chi Minh
f) Marshal Tito
g) Fidel Castro
36) Explain the meaning of:
a) “War Communism”
b) N.E.P.
c) Five Year Plan
d) Collectivization
e) Dictatorship of the proletariat
f) “Socialism is One Country”
g) “Democratic Centralism”
37) Evaluate the evolution of Communist Theory from:
a) Marxism
b) Marxism – Leninism
c) Marxism – Leninism – Stalinism
d) Marxism – Leninism – “Mao Tse-tung Thought”
e) “Many Paths to Socialism”
f) Peaceful Co-Existence
g) “Mature socialism”
38) Explain the concept of “The Thaw” under Khrushchev and “glasnost”
under Gorbachev.
39) Describe the tenants of Mao Tse-tung Thought.
40) Comprehend the tremendous impact of nationalism on ideologies.
41) Evaluate whether the role of the nation – state is declining in
international politics.
42) Understand Islam and Islamism and the “ War on Terror.”
43) Understand the U.S. – Israili – Palestinian issue.
44) Express and defend your own personal political ideology.
| GENERAL EDUCATION GOAL |
The degree to which the outcomes of the
primary goal of this course have been achieved will be determined by
the cumulative assessment of the
specific course outcomes. Additionally, the course will be
assessed by students
through faculty evaluation and/or a student opinionaire
to ascertain the level of student
success. |
| OTHER GOALS |
The attainment level of the critical
thinking, problem solving, and communication skills (all vitally
necessary in the pursuit of excellence and
wisdom) will be ascertained by essay examinations, “critical comparative
reviews,” film critiques and debates which require students to comprehend
different interpretations, analyze and compare different perspectives,
synthesize accumulated data, and defend personal conclusions. |
| OUTCOMES STATEMENTS |
Outcomes statements will
be assessed through class participation/discussion, through essay
examinations, film critiques, and role playing, e.g., as prosecuting
and/or defense attorney or judge. “Critical Comparative Reviews”
which require the student to analyze pro and con positions and then
defend personal conclusions are extremely helpful in assessing
factual knowledge, problem solving, and critical thinking skills.
In-class debates which require each student to be able to present
both Affirmative and Negative Cases do likewise. Definition of terms
are included on the major
examinations. |
PLEASE NOTE:
In compliance with the Americans Disabilities Act, it is the student’s responsibility to contact his instructor concerning any special accommodations required for completion of course requirements.
Volunteer State Community College is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Educational Institution. No person shall be denied the benefit of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity of the College because of race, color, national origin, age or handicap.
GRADING Three essay exams will be given. No make up exam will be given unless
you call me before the exam.
A=90-100 Excellent on 3 exams, 3 “Ruff Drafts” or equivalent
B=81-89 Good on 3 exams, 3 “Ruff” Drafts or Equivalent
C=72-80 Adequate on 3 exams, 3 “Ruff” Drafts” or equivalent
D=65-71 Barely passing
F=64and below Competency not achieved due to irregular attendance,
failure to complete assignments, or failure to take
examinations, or lack of class participation, or in a word
-LAZY.
**Note that the highest grade accorded without some individual work, i.e., drafts, research paper, book reviews, some artistic or creative endeavor will be a “C”.
Due Dates for written, book reviews, or “Ruff Drafts”:
1)__________________
2)__________________
3)__________________
or) A project agreed upon by instructor and student, e.g., debate, survey, polls, artistic creation, ect.
Attendance: Students are expected to attend class regularly. Much of what appears on the exams will be discussed in class, and some of this will be material not included in the textbook.
A. Is Government Necessary? Why?
1. Harry Browne, How I found Freedom in an Unfree World
2. Philosophical Anarchism
3. Libertarianism
B. What is the meaning of:
1. Anarchism
2. Capitalism
3. Liberalism
4. Democracy
5. Republicanism
6. Conservatism
7. Fascism
8. Imperialism
9. Socialism
10.Communism
A. Historical
1. From the tribes to empire
2. Feudalism
3. Rise of the nation
4. French Revolution (1789)
B. Philosophical Origins
1.Plato – Republic
2. Aristotle, Politics
3. Machiavelli, The Prince
4. Jeon Boden, “sovereignty”
5. Thomas Hobbes, Leviathan
6. Jean Jacques Rosseau
7. John Locke, “social contract”
Debate Issue: Will nationalism be outdated for the 21st century?
Debate Issue: Who should rule: Philosopher King or the Common Man?
Debate Issue: Is nationalism divisive?
Debate Issue: Does nationalism lead to war?
A. From Dictatorship to Democracy
1. Varieties of democracy
a. Participatory
b. Direct
c. Representative
d. Pluralist
e. Elitist
f. Economic
2.Authoritarianism
3. Totalitarianism
a. Origins
b. Characteristic
c. Appeal
Debate Issue: Do democracies represent the elite or the masses?
Debate Issue: Is participatory democracy realistic?
Debate issue: Does democracy produce worse governments than dictatorship?
Debate Issue: Are dictatorships better able to deal with foreign policy than
Democracies?
A. Common characteristics of totalitarianism
1. Fascism
2. Naziism
3. Communism
B. Disparate Characteristics
1.Fascism/Naziism
a. Romanticism
b. Idealism
c. Nationalism
d. Appeal to middle class
2.Communism
a. Rationalism
b. Materialism
c. Internationalism
e. Appeal to lower class
C. Rise of Fascism in Italy
1. Origins
2. Ideology
3. Mussolini
4. Assessment
D. Islam and Islamism
E. Fundalmentalism vs. Modernism
F. Your Personal Political Philosophy