This course will provide an overview of major figures and themes of modern political thought. We will focus on themes and questions pertinent to political theory in the modern era, particularly focusing on the relationship of the individual to community, society, and state. Although the emergence of the individual as a central moral, political, and conceptual category arguably began in earlier eras, it is in the seventeenth century that it takes firm hold in defining the state, political institutions, moral thinking, and social relations. The centrality of "the individual" has created difficulties, even paradoxes, for community and social relations, and political theorists have struggled to reconicle those throughout the modern era. We will consider the political forms that emerged out of those struggles, as well as the changed and distinctly "modern" conceptualizations of political theory such as freedom, responsibilty, justice, rights and obligations, as central categories for organizing moral and political life.

The primary goal of the first-year seminar program is to provide every first-year student with the opportunity for a direct personal encounter with a faculty member in a small class setting devoted to a significant intellectual endeavor. First-year seminars also fulfill College General Education Requirements.

Individual research to be taken under the direction of a Political Science faculty member.

Supervised readings and research in various areas of Political Science, available only to political science doctoral students preparing for the dissertation phase. Section numbers must be obtained from the Political Science office.

Assignment to faculty members for directed reading, research, or participation in a joint research project. Section number must be obtained from the Political Science office.

Assignment to faculty members for directed reading, research, or participation in a joint research project. Section number must be obtained from the Political Science office.

Assignment to faculty members for directed reading, research, or participation in a joint research project. Section number must be obtained from the Political Science office.

Assignment to faculty members for directed reading, research, or participation in a joint research project. Section number must be obtained from the Political Science office.

Assignment to faculty members for directed reading, research, or participation in a joint research project. Section number must be obtained from the Political Science office.

Asian Americans are the fastest growing racial minority group in the United States – what are the varied ways Asian Americans have been engaging in politics and how have they shaped the terrain of American politics? This course will survey the different facets of political life in Asian American communities, focusing on three major themes. First, we will examine the origins and evolution of “Asian America” as a political project. Second, we will explore how Asian Americans have been engaging in a variety of political arenas, from electoral politics to community organizing. We will consider topics such as voting, political representation, and grassroots activisms around gentrification, anti-Asian violence, and immigrant detention and deportation. Third, we will consider the politics of interminority relations; in other words, how Asian Americans engage with other communities of color. We will focus on the political and ethical questions around affirmative action, Black Lives Matter, and multi-racial solidarity. Throughout the course, we will grapple with the multiplicities and pluralities of Asian Americans, including both the limitations and possibilities of identity politics in a diversifying America.