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.
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 | |
| 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.