Course level: Undergraduate
also in 2014; 2015; 2016; 2017 (Fall term)
Sciences Po (Reims)
This course surveys the works of some of the major authors of modern political thought: Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Kant, Smith, Tocqueville, Marx. Themes discussed will include political obligation and state authority, the relation between power and justice, the definition and scope of political inclusion, the relevance of ethics to politics, as well as convention, reason, order, progress, and freedom. A particular emphasis will be placed on an analysis of the social contract tradition. The students will be expected to read thoroughly before class and to participate actively.