PHIL 2010 Political Philosophy (3)
Stephen Hauge, Instructor
Liberty Charter School
(Northwest Nazarene University 3 semester credits)
Course Description:
PHIL 2010 is a Historical survey of selected philosophical ideas, political systems, and methods, especially as these have been developed in western civilizations. Primarily, we will be studying two main branches, Metaphysics and Political Systems through the works of Plato, Aristotle, Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Rousseau, Dante, and assorted others.
Course Objectives:
1. Explain major traditions in Western Philosophy.
2.Identify key figures associated with these philosophical traditions.
3. Critically evaluate philosophical arguments and traditions.
4. Apply philosophical principles, informed by Judeo Christian values, to contemporary social and political issues.
5. Construct solid philosophical arguments both orally and in writing.
6. To grapple with the question the following question: What is Political Philosophy and why we should study it?
7. Develop the virtue of humility that will lead to wisdom through inquiry.
8. Develop critical thinking skills through lessons in logic and reasoning that are applied to the classroom conversation, that is, the Socratic discussion.
During The Course, Each Student will be given the Opportunity to Develop:
1. The ability to identify main ideas in reading selections;
2. The ability to formulate a clear, specific thesis in light of initial research;
3. The ability to reconcile differences between two or more sources;
4. The ability to recognize and avoid informal logical fallacies;
5. The ability to digest material into usable notes;
6. The ability to organize information into an outline;
7. A working knowledge of the process involved in writing an essay paper;
8. The ability to integrate quotations, paraphrase, and summaries into a paper;
9. Documentation on all papers will be MLA format.
10. An awareness of the problems of plagiarism.