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This course is an introduction to the history of political philosophy. It will focus on a number of topics including Machiavelli's The Prince, early modern constitutionalism, the invention of the modern state, the theory of sovereignty, political reason, the origins of social science, liberty and utilitarianism. The individual theorists who will be discussed include Bodin, Filmer, Locke, Hume, Burke, Bentham, and Marx.
The course uses the methods of the disciplines of history of political thought, political theory, and political philosophy to introduce students to the different ways in which key texts in the modern period have discussed and shaped our views of politics. So, for instance, we will discuss Locke’s view of the origin of political authority as a response to the travails of English politics during and following the English civil war (which is its historical setting), and as one of the great opening claims in political philosophy that a political authority should only hold power if it has the consent of the people.All basic course materials can be found on the course Learn page. Should students not have access to the internet, they should see the lecturer on the first day of the course. Chronologically, the course will cover the major political theories of Western Europe from the Renaissance period until the end of the Nineteenth Century. Each topic will be accompanied by an assigned reading. Each week you will be expected to do some reading (between 30 to 60 pages a week). This will include the text, and, if necessary, some secondary material.
15 points in PHIL or POLS at 100 level. Students not meeting the prerequisites but with at least a B average in 60 points in appropriate courses may be admitted with the approval of the Department Coordinator.
POLS201
Lindsey Te Ata o Tu MacDonald
Library portalLearn Assignment Sheet Cover Academic Integrity Guidance for Staff and Students PDF document Referencing for Political Science Using EndNote for referencing Writing guides for Political Science
Domestic fee $670.00
International fee $2,850.00
* All fees are inclusive of NZ GST or any equivalent overseas tax, and do not include any programme level discount or additional course-related expenses.
This course will not be offered if fewer than 15 people apply to enrol.
For further information see Humanities .