The Political Animal
COL 102
Spring 2008 not offered
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In this seminar we will read a series of texts that depict man in his capacity as political animal. We will consider what kind of beast is created when a mass of people get together. How do you distinguish between the needs of the individual and the needs of the community? What happens when these needs conflict? We will also ask what qualities are demanded of the individual by the community - bravado? Wisdom? Unscrupulousness? Particular attention will be given to moments when the individual attempts to win the community's respect or sway its opinions. How do you influence the public? Does the best man or woman always make the best leader? The course will cover a long chronological range of works, from classical tragedy to the 20th-century novel. It will also address a variety of political situations, communities, and actors: battles and elections; utopias and dystopias; heroes, demagogues, and outcasts. |
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Essential Capabilities:
None |
| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA COL |
| Course Format: Seminar | Grading Mode: Student Option |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (CSCT) |
Major Readings:
William Shakespeare, JULIUS CAESAR
William Shakespeare, CORIOLANUS
Thomas More, UTOPIA
Henrik Ibsen, AN ENEMY OF THE PEOPLE
Robert Penn Warren, ALL THE KING'S MEN
Ralph Ellison, INVISIBLE MAN
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Examinations and Assignments:
Weekly reading response papers (1 1/2 - 2 pp., ungraded); four longer essays (4-5 pp., graded) will be developed from these weekly responses. |
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