We see this in the revolutionary wars that mark significant turning points in human history. At issue is what rebellion marks itself as against , what might be read as some oppression, either real or imagined. Rebellion seeks greater freedom, marking any previous state as oppressive and denying of that freedom. We will try to think how particular rebellions decide themselves, how they come about. Other readings that will serve as guides will include excerpts from Rousseau's Discourse on Political Economy and the Social Contract , The Declaration of Independence and The Bill of Rights , The Declaration of the Rights of Man , and Marx's Communist Manifesto .
Attendance is mandatory, as is engagement with class discussion.
Occasionally, students may be given short reading quizzes. There will be no tests, but you should be ready to participate in intelligent discussions. You will need to make a sustained effort to listen to, and evaluate rationally, a wide range of alternative and often conflicting ideas. We will also consider the ways in which our understanding of the world must be altered to facilitate such study. Giambattista Vico, The New Science of Giambattista Vico Jacques Vall e, Fastwalker.