The American Political Tradition

Catalog description

This course will study the theoretical ideas that informed the creation and development of America’s political system and consider some of the major contemporary challenges to the maintenance of American democracy. Topics to be treated include the claims for American independence, the nature of written constitutions, the problems presented by slavery, the core political institutions of our republic, the emergence of American progressivism and conservatism, and the role of America in the world. Emphasis is placed on direct engagement with the authors who have shaped our political tradition. Readings will feature core primary documents such as the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution and include other works of political philosophy (e.g., Aristotle and John Locke) and the letters and speeches of key political figures. Students will be conversant with the defining debates of the American political tradition and the various parties and perspectives at work in those debates. IC. PA-4A. CAS-B.