General Information

• Name: Introduction to Political Philosophy
• Discipline: Philosophy (PHIL)
• Units (Credits): 3
• Schedule History: See when this course was offered over the last three years.
• Transfer Information: Courses with numbers 100 to 299: This course is designed to apply toward a WNC degree and/or transfer to other schools within the Nevada System of Higher Education, depending on the degree chosen and other courses completed. It may transfer to colleges and universities outside Nevada. For information about how this course can transfer and apply to your program of study, please contact a counselor.
• Academic Division: Social Science, Education, Humanities & Public Service
• Prerequisites: None

Course Outline

I: Catalog Course Description

Provides readings and discussion of theories concerning the nature of society and political structure from classical and contemporary philosophers.

II: Course Objectives

Upon completion of this course, the student should have a familiarity of the various political forms of government, their origin in history, their underlying philosophy, their evolution, some of their shortcomings, and their place in the world today.

Each political form will be identified, along with its assumptions, its origin, and its consequences with an underlying social philosophy that reflects a view of the nature of human nature with inherent problems and potential remedies endemic to them.

III: Course Linkage

Linkage of course to educational program mission and at least one educational program outcome.

This course links to Associate of Science, Associate of Arts, and Associate of General Studies programs at WNC. It also fulfills general education and elective requriements.

The students will be expected to understand the philosophy of various forms of politics and how each may relate to local, regional, national, and international government policies and social problems. It is also hoped that the student will be able to locate themselves within an ideological framework that will be transmitted toward local, state, and national participation.

Communication:
Demonstrate college-level writing skills appropriate to their degree or certificate.
Demonstrate oral communication skills appropriate to their degree or certificate.

Analysis:
Know the principles of critical thinking appropriate to transfer degrees.




Personal Development:
Know effective and efficient learning skills.

Community Commitment:
Appreciate the value and importance of diversity issues pertaining to the influence of gender and religious culture on the individual.