Literature and Politics

Catalog description

This course will take one work of fiction, a particular author/writer, or a number of different works of fiction which are thematically connected, and examine the political, social, and cultural questions and issues embedded in these works. Political philosophy asks central questions about human life- what makes us human; what, if anything, makes the best state; how can humans live together while being individuals in their own right, etc. Well crafted works of political fiction are often the best gateway to politics since they use a fictional reality to develop abstract concepts. In fact, some of the best works of political philosophy is fiction. Instructors will choose works of fiction which, juxtaposed with political writings, speeches, articles, and texts, enable students to identify and answer the great political questions of generations. Prereq: C- or higher GOVT 111 and GOVT 231