Politicaltheory Syllabus

ITB 227 E POLITICAL THEORY
Spring 2015-2016 Tuesday 9:30-12:29 Office: # B4-320 Dept. Humanities and Social Sciences,
FEB Office Hours: Thursday 09.00-13.00 Phone: 285 7277, email: kocan@itu.edu.tr
Course Description:
This course is intended to provide a broad overview of political theory. It will survey classic and
contemporary approaches to some of the main topics in political theory. Through close brief
readings of selected, major writings of political philosophers, students will able to explicate,
analyze and compare key ideas of politics. Particular emphasis will be placed on the critical study
of political values and of the concepts used in political theory: the concept of the political; power,
authority, and related concepts; the state; law; liberty and rights; justice and equality; public
interest and common good; democracy and representation; liberalism, socialism, and
conservatism. It will also specifically focus on questions that are directly relevant to
contemporary debates of political theory, for example: How should we live in political
community and what are its proper limits of political community? What rules should govern the
political community? How the state justified and what is justice? How does it relate to equality?
What are human rights and should minority groups of political community be granted special
rights? ‘Is war ever justified?’, ‘Is democracy the best form of ruling?
Course Goals/Objectives:
By the end of the semester a successful student should be able to do the following:
 Demonstrate a knowledge of key concepts and arguments of political theory
 Demonstrate an ability to interpret and understand key concepts of political theory
 Explain the nature and value of normative political argumentation
 Demonstrate an ability to critically evaluate and compare arguments in political theory
 Sharpen student’s competence in basic reading, verbal, writing and organizations and
cooperation skills
Course Structure and Methodology:

The course will be a mixture of students’ presentations, lectures and discussions. The intention is
to provide students with an overview of the concept for that week and then to discuss the issues
question in the lecture. This is also a seminar course that is intended to facilitate discussion of
the core readings for that week. It is essential that students are well prepared and organized for
this course by: 1) finishing all the assigned readings; 2) attending and participating actively in all
classes.
The lectures will begin with a brief (20 minute) presentation on the set readings. The aim here
is to provide background for clarification of theoretical arguments and political concepts that are
revealed in the readings. In both the classes and seminars students are encouraged to participate
as fully as possible. Each student is expected to contribute to the discussion, and thus each
student is expected to be prepared to ask questions and discuss the assigned readings on each day,
and whether or not the student is presenting that day. Please be attentive to standard rules of
decorum: respect the contribution of others, try to move class discussion forward (pay attention
to what others say and respond to the previous point), avoid dogmatism, and so forth. Don’t
forget your active participation to class discussions cannot lower your final grade, but it can
improve it.
Attendance:
ATTENDANCE IS NOT OPTIONAL BUT STRICTLY REQUIRED. Class attendance will
be taken each week. It is the responsibility of student to be sure that his/her attendance has been
recorded. You are allowed maximum 4 unexcused absences; but, please note that every absence
will have a negative effect on your grade. S tudents with 5 or more unexcused absences will
receive an FAIL. In the case of illness or an emergency situation, official documentation must be
provided to grant an excused absence. However, in the case of chronic illness or personal
emergencies which require prolonged or frequent absences, the student should withdraw from
this course and repeat it when circumstances allow for the fulfillment of course requirements
Participation
Students are expected to complete required readings by the class session indicated on the course
schedule. Students should come to class prepared to discuss the assigned readings such that class
time is not wasted, and we can engage a discussion of the reading material together. Each student
is expected to contribute to the discussion.
Oral Presentation:
Students present a critical review (not a summary) of the required readings and key concepts,
raising specific questions and issues for discussions. Students will need to present
Their presentations in class along with visual aids. Presentation should be 20-25 minutes.
Anyone who misses their presentation without advanced notice or medical report will be
given minus 20 marks.
Book Review:
Students will be required to read and write a book review. The book review must be no longer
than 1,200 words, double-spaced with a 12-point font, and conform to APA style. The book
review provides the opportunity to investigate a philosopher’s specific work. It contains
combination of both summary and analysis of the text. It should not consult any sources other
than the text student is reviewing. Here is suggested structure of book review:
 First part should provide a brief description of content and purpose of the work.
 Second part identify main thesis and arguments of the work
 Third part should summarize the major ideas, themes, concepts and arguments of the text.
 Fourth part should critically evaluate and assess strengths and weaknesses main
arguments of the text
 Final part should state main political insights that emerge from writings of the text
The book review is due in Week 7.
Term Paper:
Each student is required to write a research paper on examining a specific topic area related to
political theory. The paper must be no longer than 2500 words, double-spaced with a 12-point
font, and conform to APA style. It provides the opportunity to delve into an understanding of the
specific issue of political theory. All papers demand thoughtful synthesis. Students are also
required to write an outline demonstrating structures of the paper.
The term paper is due in in Week 14.
Term paper should contain three major parts: 1) an introduction which clearly states
objectives and provide guideposts; 2) a body which communicates the material used to
meet your objectives; and 3) summary which concentrates your argument, indicates how
your argument meet your objectives, and provides a conclusion about your arguments and
their propositions.
In writing, your papers also keep in mind the following points.

1. Try to be analytical in your presentation instead of simply descriptive.
2 Define and clarify the concepts you use.
3. Organize your paper in a logical sequence.
4. If you make value statements, support your perspective with reasoning
5. There is never a good reason to paraphrase a source--either summarize it in your own
words or quote it exactly and (citing the source in either case).
6. When you use information that might not be considered common knowledge, cite the
source
Late papers will be penalized at 5% per each day, for up to 7 days after the due date, after
which the paperwork will receive an automatic zero. Students requiring extensions MUST
bring medical report.
DO NOT PLAGIARIZE as this will be severely penalized!

Plagiarism and Academic Misconduct:
Plagiarism is a form of stealing a person's works, ideas or writings. Therefore, plagiarism in ITU,
as in many educational institutions around the world, is treated as a serious academic offence.
According to the definition given in the Oxford Compact English Dictionary, plagiarism is "to
take the work or idea of someone else and pass it off as one’s own” To copy sentences,
phrases or even expression of an idea without acknowledgement of the source is plagiarism; to
paraphrase without reference and copying other students' work is the same plagiarism.
Therefore, no student shall, with intent to deceive, submit the words, sentences, phrases of
another person as his or her own in any assignment submitted in the course. The internet gives
every student access to enormous written academic materials and plagiarism in the form of CUT
and PASTE has increased. Therefore, if I suspect that student has plagiarized any written
assignment submitted to me. I will immediately investigate the internet and any other source. If
Plagiarism or other forms of academic dishonesty is proven, at the very least you will FAIL the
course and A REPORT will be sent to the Faculty’s Committee on Discipline documenting
your cheating and dishonesty. Committee on Discipline treats plagiarism as a serious offence and
takes a very severe line on students who plagiarize work. Therefore, Plagiarism and other forms
of academic dishonesty will not be tolerated and will have severe disciplinary consequences for
students. If students are in doubt about what counts as plagiarism, or about how to properly
reference a source, consult your instructor or Writing Research Papers prepared and compiled by
the teachers of ITU advanced English Program.
The final exam:

There will be a final 2-hour examination in this course. Date, time and place of the final exam
will be scheduled by Istanbul Technical University. The examination will cover everything all
required readings and all in-class discussion.
Grading Procedure:
Your final grade for the class will be based on two sets of analytical papers (50%), oral
presentation (10%), attendance, participation, and discussion (10%) and final exam (30%).
Attendance and Participation 10%

Presentation 10%
Book review 20%
2. Term paper 30%
Final Exam 30%
Classroom Expectations:
1. Class begins on time at the appointed time. Be on time and stay until the end of class.
2. There is to be no sleeping in class. Stay awake and alert.
3. Turn off all cell phones and other electronic devices.
4. Do not carry on private talking while class is in progress., send text messages, etc. If you
prefer to do these things at class time, don’t come to class
If you use a laptop in class, please use it only to take notes (unless asked by the instructor).
Required Texts
David Boucher & Paul Kelly (ed.), 2009. Political Thinkers: From Socrates to the Present,
Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Michael L. Morgan (ed.), 2011. Classics of Moral and Political Theory New York: Hackett.
The following are also useful introductions

Adam Swift, 2006. Political Philosophy: a Beginners' Guide for Students and Politicians.
Cambridge: Polity Press
Catherina McKinnon, 2008. Issues in Political Theory Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Christopher Rowe and Malcolm Schofield, 2000. The Cambridge History of Greek and Roman
Political Thought. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.
Colin Farrelly, 2004. Introduction to Contemporary Political Theory London: Sage.
Donald G. Tannenbaum and David Schultz, 1998. Inventors of Ideas: An Introduction to Western
Political Philosophy. New York: St. Martin’s Press.
G.W. Sheldon, 2003. The History of Political Theory: Ancient Greece to Modern America, New
York: Peter Lang Publishing.
Gerald Gaus, .2000. Political Concepts and Political Theories Boulder: Westview press.
Gerald Gaus, and C. Kukathas (ed.),.2004. Handbook of Political Theory London: Sage.
Iain Hampsher-Monk, 1992. A History of Modern Political Thought: Major Political Thinkers
from Hobbes to Marx. Cambridge: Blackwell.
Janet Coleman, 2004. Political Thought: From Ancient Greece to Early Christianity, London:
Blackwell.
John Dryzek., B. Honig, B. And A. Phillips, A. (eds.) 2006. The Oxford Handbook of Political
Theory Oxford: Oxford University Press.
John H. Hallowell and Jane M. Porter, 1997. Political Philosophy: The Search for Humanity and
Order, Toronto: Prentice Hall.
John Hoffman, and Paul Graham, 2009. An Introduction to Political Theory New York: Pearson-
Longman.
Jonathan Wolff, 2006. Introduction to Political Philosophy Oxford: Oxford University Press
Michael Curtis (ed.), 2008. The Great Political Theories. New York: Harper Collins.
Michael Rosen. And Jonathan Wolff, (eds) 1999. Political thought. Oxford: Oxford University
Press
Patricia Springborg, 2006. History of Political Thought: The Emergence of Political Thinking in
the West from Plato to Aquinas, Cambridge: Polity Press.
Peri Roberts, and Peter Sutch, 2008. An Introduction to Political Thought: Key Concepts and
Thinkers. Edinburgh: Edinburgh University Press,
Robert Goodin and Philippe Pettit, (ed.), .1993. A Companion to Contemporary Political
Philosophy Oxford: Blackwell.
Will Kymlicka 2001. Contemporary Political Philosophy: An Introduction Oxford: Oxford
University Press.
The required readings for this course are included in the course reader packet: ITB 227 E
POLITICAL THEORY that can also be purchased at the at the photocopy shop in Faculty of
Science and Letters Building.
Course Mechanics
WEEK ONE
General Introduction to the Course
Introducing the course syllabus, discuss assessment, expectations, and course format
What is ‘Political Theory’, and Why Does it Matter?
Reading: Boucher and Kelly, Introduction: pp. 1-23.
Reading: Roberts and Sutch, Introduction (1-20)
WEEK TWO
Plato:
Euthyphro
Apology
Crito
Phaedo Death Scene
Reading: Boucher and Kelly, Chapter 2: pp. 23-40
Reading: Boucher and Kelly, Chapter 3: pp. 40- 54
Reading: Roberts and Sutch, Introduction (1-20)
WEEK THREE
Plato
Republic and Justice
Reading: Roberts and Sutch, chapter 1 (25-45)
WEEK FOUR
Aristotle,
Politics:
Nicomachean Ethics
Reading: Boucher and Kelly, Chapter 5: pp. 83-98;
WEEK FIVE
St. Augustine:
The City of God
Reading: Boucher and Kelly, Chapter 7: pp. 120- 130;
Thomas Aquinas:
On Kingship
Summa Theologica
On the Virtues in General
WEEK SIX
Nicola Machiavelli:
Letter to Francesco Vettori
The Prince
Discourses
Marsiglio of Padua:
Defensor Pacis http://legacy.fordham.edu/Halsall/source/marsiglio4.asp
Reading:
WEEK SEVEN
Thomas Hobbes,
Leviathan
Reading: Roberts and Sutch, chapters 3 and 4, on Hobbes (69-83 and 103-110)
WEEK EIGHT
John Locke
Second Treatise of Government
A Letter Concerning Toleration
Roberts and Sutch, chapters 3 and 4, on Locke (83-92 and 110-116)
David Hume
Treatise of Human Nature
Book Review Due to
WEEK NINE
J.J. Rousseau
Discourse on the Origin of Inequality
On the Social Contract
Roberts and Sutch, chapters 3 and 4, on Rousseau (92-99 and 116-122)
Montesquieu
E. Burke
Speech to the Electors of Bristol
Reading: Boucher and Kelly, Chapter 21: pp.363-383
The Federalist Papers: 'Republic' redefined
WEEK TEN
Immanuel Kant
Grounding for the Metaphysics of Morals 944
To Perpetual Peace 985
M. Wollstonecraft: Men's rights and women's freedom
L. Tocqueville: Democracy's need for stabilizing beliefs
Reading:
WEEK ELEVEN
Jeremy Bentham
Introduction to Principles of Morals and Legislation
Roberts and Sutch, chapter 6 (153-180)
John Stuart Mill,
Utilitarianism
On Liberty
On the Subjection of the Woman
Reading: Boucher and Kelly, Chapter 19-20: pp. 324- 363
Reading:
WEEK TWELVE
G.W. Hegel
The Philosophy of Right
Karl Marx:
Alienated Labor 1160
On the Jewish Question 1167
Communist Manifesto 1183
Critique of the Gotha Program
Reading: Boucher and Kelly, Chapter 23-24 pp. 405-433.
Reading: Roberts and Sutch, chapter 5, on Owen and Marx (125-150)
WEEK THIRTEEN
Friedrich Nietzsche
On the Advantage and Disadvantage of History for Life
On the Genealogy of Morality
Michel Foucault
Reading:
WEEK FOURTEEN
John Rawls:
A Theory of Justice
M. Oakeshott
Jurgen Habermas:
Between Facts and Norms
Term Paper Due To

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ITB 227 E POLITICAL THEORY

Course Structure and Methodology:

In writing, your papers also keep in mind the following points.

DO NOT PLAGIARIZE as this will be severely penalized!

The final exam:

Attendance and Participation 10%

The following are also useful introductions

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