The Political Animal
COL 207
Fall 2021 not offered
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| Course Cluster and Certificates: Social, Cultural, and Critical Theory Certificate |
In this seminar we will read a series of texts that depict the human being in its 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 person 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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| Credit: 1 |
Gen Ed Area Dept:
HA COL |
| Course Format: Seminar | Grading Mode: |
| Level: UGRD |
Prerequisites: None |
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Fulfills a Requirement for: (CSCT) |
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