Cornell College - Department of Poltics

Special Note: The Course Outline on Line (COOL) is the only reliable source for common information about the Course. If you print COOL, be sure to come back to the site often and at least daily, especially before starting to prepare for class. Most of the readings will be drawn from online resources and subject to editing by the instructors, esp. when class discussion requires that a reading be changed. Assignments are thus subject to change from one day to the next, though every effort will be made to avoid changes within 24 hours prior to the class meeting in which a particular assignment is to be discussed. The Course Outline on Line (COOL) is, thus, the only definitive version. Do not rely on what you have previously printed. Check COOL before starting every assignment.

CONTACTING INSTRUCTORS: Dr. Robert Sutherland administers the course and is responsible for contact with students outside of class. See him in 304 South Hall, Ext. 4226. E-mail Link: the quickest and most reliable method of contacting me. I rarely check voice mail.

TEXTS: Readings for at least the first two weeks are available online through links in the shedule below

Class Policies: Civility lies at the heart of the course and thus courtesy is expected as well. Examples are too numerous to list but include punctuality, turned off cell phones, use of titles for instructors (Representative or Congressman/Professor or Doctor), respect for the views expressed by others in the class, etc.. NOTE: There will be a seating chart in use beginning the 2nd day. Attendence will not be formally taken but unannounced quizzes will be frequent and missed quizzes cannot be made up. In certified emergencies an average score may be substituted once for a missed quiz (see Dr. Sutherland).

SYNOPSIS: The Craft of Politics

Principles and Values
1. Absolute Foundations
  1. Hooker, Aquinas, and Aristotle: we are by nature capable of rational freedom in associations that protect and promote reason and liberty
  2. The Hobbesian Challenge: we are by nature slaves to our desires and subject only to the rule of the strongest
  3. Logic of Absolutes: Either/Or and the Relativistic Fallacy
2. Locke, Paine, and the Federalist extend Hooker a government fit for our nature
3. Principles of Constitutional Government (see short summary of leading principles from study guide)
Practices and Policies
1. The logic of relative goods, probable vs. absolute truth, importance of process & manners, suspension of absolute claims
2. Practice of judgment, importance of moderation, and dangers of intolerance
3. Civility: balancing goods in contention and competition, leadership and its requisites.
Foreign Policy in a Global Setting
1. Internationalism and the UN
2. Foreign Policy Challenges in an Age of Terrorism
3. East Asia
Citizen Diplomacy

Department of Politics

251. Principles of American & International Politics

January 2006

SYNOPSIS: The Craft of Politics