To increase knowledge of the history of classical and modern political thought; of the fundamental values and ethical issues contested in politics over time; and of alternative moral and ethical frameworks for interpreting and evaluating contemporary political discourses.
Achieved by: Students are required to take “Basic Concepts of Political Thought” (POLS 230), which addresses the enduring political theories and questions of political life and values. Majors are exposed to many of these issues in the required courses they take in philosophy, and they may opt to take additional political science courses that emphasize modern and American political thought. In all POLS courses, basic questions of equality, liberty, power, and ethics are addressed, since they are fundamental to any understanding of political behavior.