PS292 - American Political Thought
An examination of the political theory of the American founding and its relevance to contemporary political problems.
1 unit — Fuller
Previously Featured Offering
American Political Thought seeks to develop a deeper understanding of the American constitutional tradition. Students will explore fundamental principles and historical events.
The primary aim of this course is to seek a deeper understanding of the American constitutional tradition with reference both to fundamental principles and historical experience. Politics may be understood as the activity which occurs at the intersection of our principles and aspirations with our contingent circumstances. A constitution gives structure to the manner in which we evaluate and respond to this conjunction. In politics we can never escape the need of practical judgment in conditions of uncertainty. At the same time, in making such judgments, a society’s members, while considering their immediate interests which are always present, also seek answers to questions about what we understand ourselves to be, what our identity is, what our place in history may be. Through time