Introduction to Political and Democratic Theory - PLS 200 at Rappahannock Community College

https://courses.vccs.edu./colleges/rcc/courses/PLS200-IntroductiontoPoliticalandDemocraticTheory

Effective: 2021-08-01

Course Description

Presents concepts of politics using political theory. Emphasizes the core thinkers and themes of political theory, with focus on concepts of justice, power, rights, liberty, and citizenship, within the context of differing conceptions of the state. Apply political theory as a method of analysis for analyzing current political events and problems. The assignments in the course require college-level reading fluency and coherent communication through written reports.
Lecture 3 hours. Total 3 hours per week.
3 credits

The course outline below was developed as part of a statewide standardization process.

General Course Purpose

Introduce students to the study of politics through the core ideas and thinkers of Western Political Thought. Students will focus on fundamental questions of politics and political thought, such as what is the purpose of government, and what is the relationship between the citizen and the state? Students will develop an understanding of how different thinkers understand fundamental concepts such as power, rights, freedom, and justice. Students will consider contemporary challenges to the core ideas of Western Political Thought, as well as consider the fundamental questions of Western Political Thought in the context of current political events.

Course Objectives

Major Topics to be Included

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