PSCI321: Political Theory and Political Practice

Professor Baumann

This course will treat the interrelation of political thought and practice. It will use a series of illustrative cases to explore some of the ways in which theory guides practice and in which practice has its autonomy, which theory must respect. The course will have three parts. First, various historical foundings will be treated, because foundings most obviously reveal the link and tension between theory and practice. International relations will be the subject of the second part, focusing on the current complex of issues surrounding globalization, the sovereign state, international law, and terrorism. The third will treat the theory of practice and will likely involve readings from Aristotle, Burke, and Marx. Prerequisite: sophomore standing.