Tocqueville Then and Now: Theories of Democracy and Revolution
GOVT 360
Spring 2008 not offered
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We will consider the writings of Alexis de Tocqueville, who participated in French politics and wrote an illuminating analysis of American political culture. What did Tocqueville think about the relation of aristocracy to democracy and of social class to political institutions? How are equality, individualism, and political and civil associations related, and what are the possibilities for greatness, revolution, and freedom? How have conditions changed since he wrote and how might he analyze America today? We'll also ask about being an intellectual in political life, starting with his personal recollections and involvements and moving on to ours. |
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Essential Capabilities:
None |
| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
SBS GOVT |
| Course Format: Seminar | Grading Mode: Student Option |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (GOVT)(GOVT-Theory) |
Major Readings:
Alexis de Tocqueville, DEMOCRACY IN AMERICA; RECOLLECTIONS; SELECTED LETTERS ON POLITICS & SOCIETY; L'ANCIEN REGIME & THE FRENCH REVOLUTION
Robert Putnam, "Bowling Alone"
Chalmers Johnson, REVOLUTIONARY CHANGE
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Examinations and Assignments:
One class presentation and short paper, one medium length paper (5-7 pp.), and a term paper (10-15 pp.). |
Additional Requirements and/or Comments:
Some background in social or political theory -- from Govt., Soc., Hist.,
Philos., Rel., CSS, or COL -- is recommended.
Students who wish to be eligible for the course during Drop/Add must add themselves to the enrollment request system during on-line registration. Enrollment request preference rankings will be one factor I will consider in making Drop/Add period registration decisions.
Students who were not successful in preregistering for the class should come to the first meeting in case spaces open up. |
| Drop/Add Enrollment Requests | | | | | |
| Total Submitted Requests: 0 | 1st Ranked: 0 | 2nd Ranked: 0 | 3rd Ranked: 0 | 4th Ranked: 0 | Unranked: 0 |
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