Political Science 201

2005-07-06T15:52:00.000-07:00

Reminder: The reading for Friday includes the Wootton text selections from Edmund Burke, but also a short dialog by Hannah More called "Village Politics" which is not included in the class text.

It can be found here.

2005-06-21T22:21:00.000-07:00

HOBBES, Day 1

In chapter 13, Hobbes lays out his theory of the "state of nature;" that is, what society is like before any political authority.

What does Hobbes suggest society would be like in this state?

Why does Hobbes think that society would be like this?

What does Hobbes assume about human nature?

What are the first two laws of nature? Where do these laws of nature come from?

2005-06-21T22:16:00.000-07:00

It was suggested today that it might be helpful to have the overheads I use in class available online. If you think this would be helpful let me know and I'll try and work out how to make them available.

2005-06-20T09:30:00.000-07:00

Here is a question I'd like you all to answer at some point in the first week of class:

Why obey?

Or more specifically, why do you think we should obey our government and our laws?

A second question: Under what circumstances should we not obey our government?

Please post your answers in comments below on Monday or Tuesday. I'm not looking for brilliance here, but more for your gut responses to this question, and an effort at providing the reasons you answer the way you do.

(Technical note: to post, just click on '0 (or some other number) comments' just below the post. If you don't have an account with blogger, you don't need one to post. Under choose and identity select "anonymous." This doesn't actually mean you have to be anonymous, just sign your name at the end of your comment. If the commenting features don't seem to be working, send me an email.)

2005-06-20T09:28:00.000-07:00

I'll be handing out a paper copy in class today, but here is an electronic version of the syllabus. Refer back to this post if and when you misplace the dead tree version.

2005-06-19T21:04:00.000-07:00

This the course website for Political Science 201, Summer Quarter 2005 A Term, UW-Seattle. The course meets from June 20th to July 20th in Savery Hall, room 153. This website will provide links, discussion forums, and general announcements for the class. Please check it regularly. A link to the syllabus will be posted shortly.