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.

Banner Code: PPHL

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

Select two courses from the following:6
Classical Western Political Theory
Classical Western Political Theory
Modern Western Political Theory
Modern Western Political Theory
Contemporary Western Political Theory
Contemporary Western Political Theory
Total Credits6

Electives

Select two elective courses from the courses below or above (if not used to meet the core requirement): 16
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): 16
Issues in Political Theories and Values
American Political Thought
Feminist Political Thought
Advanced Democratic Theory
Ethics and International Politics
Total Credits12
1

Special topics courses and independent studies courses, when relevant, may also be used to fulfill elective credits with prior written approval of the director.