POLI 270 - Modern Political Thought

Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)

An exploration and analysis of arguments for market freedom from Thomas Hobbes and Adam Smith to Ronald Reagan and Paul Ryan. The historical justifications for market freedom and classical liberalism are found in the writings of Hobbes, Locke, and Smith. Thinkers such as Hayek, Friedman, Nozick, and Ayn Rand construct the intellectual foundations for contemporary conservative and neoliberal thought. These ideas are expressed by Reagan, Thatcher, and current political figures. Criticisms of market freedom and neoliberalism, such as those by Marx and Harvey, will also be examined. Mr. Stillman.

Prerequisite(s): Freshmen may take a 200-level course only with the permission of the instructor, which usually requires satisfactory completion of an introductory course. For sophomores, juniors, and seniors, an introductory course is recommended but not required.

Two 75-minute periods.