Textbook: Cahn, Steven M., Classics of Modern Political Theory, New York: Oxford University Press, 1997. (Textbook Rental)

Concerns of the Course: This course introduces students to the ideas of the major western political thinkers during the modern period. For our purposes the modern period will begin with Machiavelli and extend through the nineteenth century. Major topics of discussion will be the growth of individualism, the doctrine of social contract, the demise of natural law and the rise of utilitarianism, and, the emergence of modern socialism. Of particular interest will be the epistemology, moral theory, psychology, and political theory of each of the major thinkers. Exposure to these and other issues of political theory should provide students with the means to comprehend more fully the political issues of today.

Tests and Assignments: There will be two exams, a mid-term and a final. Each of these tests will be equally weighted and together, they will constitute 60% of the grade for the course. The remaining 40% will be comprised of writing assignments. The details of the writing assignments will be discussed in class.

Attendance: Student attendance is expected. All missed work must be made up. Missed lectures will require a five page paper on the missed material.

Absence for University Sponsored Events: University policy adopted by Faculty Senate and the Whitewater Student Government states that students will not be academically penalized for missing class in order to participate in university sanctioned events. They will be provided an opportunity to make up any work that is missed; and if class attendance is a requirement, missing a class in order to participate in a university sanctioned event will not be counted as an absence. A university sanctioned event is defined to be any intercollegiate athletic contest or other such event as determined by the Provost. Activity sponsors are responsible for obtaining the Provost's prior approval of an event as being university sanctioned and for providing an official list of participants. Students are responsible for notifying their instructors in advance of their participation in such events.

Academic Misconduct: The University believes that academic honesty and integrity are fundamental to the mission of higher education and of the University of Wisconsin System. The University has a responsibility to promote academic honesty and integrity and to develop procedures to deal effectively with instances of academic dishonest Students are responsible for the honest completion and representation of their work, for the appropriate citation of sources, and for respect of others' academic endeavors. Students who violate these standards are subject to disciplinary action. UWS Chapter 14 identifies procedures to be followed when a student is accused of academic misconduct. For additional information, please refer to the section in the Student Handbook itled, Student Academic Disciplinary Procedures.

Religious Beliefs Accommodation: Board of Regents policy states that students' sincerely held religious beliefs shall be reasonably accommodated with respect to scheduling all examinations and other academic requirements. Students must notify the instructor, within the first three weeks of the beginning of classes (within the first week of summer session and short courses) of the specific days or dates on which they will request accommodation from an examination or academic requirement. For additional information, please refer to the section in the University Bulletin and the Timetable titled, Accommodation of Religious Beliefs.

Readings: Readings should be completed before the class for which they are assigned.