Political thought we define as any speech, writing, discourse, or debate which relate to the governance of a society . Political culture consists of those attitudes and beliefs that orient people to politics and government. We test this thesis by studying the values, beliefs, and arguments that define the American experience and produce its unique political culture. Special emphasis is placed on the roots of the American political order and the political thought that cultivates the habits, morals, and civic virtues essential for stable republican self-government. Final grades will be assigned based on a class curve that does not include extra credit points.
Attendance is required.
It is expected that students will attend class every day, prepared and ready to participate in class discussions. Excessive absences inevitably will affect your grade. To obtain extra credit students will have to complete take-home exercises based on additional reading in the required books. A m akeup final examination may be arranged, but only when the instructor has extended permission before the scheduled test date. Maintain a separate notebook devoted to notes about each assigned reading and how it relates to the main themes of the course.