This minor provides students with an intensive study of political philosophy and political theory. Students take courses in the history of political philosophy; the moral evaluation of political institutions; the ethical, social, and political issues raised by globalization; and the conceptual foundations of democracy and human rights. Through this coursework, students are able to study this field from a variety of interdisciplinary perspectives. They develop a deeper philosophical perspective on political institutions and have a solid foundation for further graduate study in philosophy, government, or policy studies.
Faculty
Brandhorst, Cherubin, Fyfe, Mandaville, Miller (Director), Scherer
Policies
Eight credits of coursework must be unique to the minor and students must complete all coursework with a minimum GPA of 2.00. For policies governing all minors, see AP.5.3.4 Minors.
Minor Requirements
Total credits: 18
Students should be aware of the specific policies associated with this program, located on the Admissions & Policies tab.
Core Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select two courses from the following: | 6 | |
| Classical Western Political Theory | ||
or GOVT 323 | Classical Western Political Theory | |
| Modern Western Political Theory | ||
or GOVT 324 | Modern Western Political Theory | |
| Contemporary Western Political Theory | ||
or GOVT 327 | Contemporary Western Political Theory | |
| Total Credits | 6 | |
Electives
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Select two elective courses from the courses below or above (if not used to meet the core requirement): 1 | 6 | |
| Karl Marx's Social and Political Thought | ||
| Philosophy after Auschwitz | ||
| Topics in Environmental Philosophy (Mason Core) | ||
| Ethical Issues in Global Health | ||
| Theories of Justice | ||
| Advanced Topics in Social and Political Philosophy | ||
| Select two elective courses from the courses below or above (if not used to meet the core requirement): 1 | 6 | |
GOVT 328 | ||
| Issues in Political Theories and Values | ||
| American Political Thought | ||
| Feminist Political Thought | ||
| Advanced Democratic Theory | ||
| Ethics and International Politics | ||
| Total Credits | 12 | |
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Special topics courses and independent studies courses, when relevant, may also be used to fulfill elective credits with prior written approval of the director.