American Political Culture

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

This course in social and political theory will explore themes of individuality and community from the New England Puritan settlement to the conclusion of the Civil War. We will be particularly concerned with the many ways in which an individualistic strand of Lockean liberalism developed alongside—and was itself challenged by—alternative intellectual currents such as classical republicanism and Christianity. Readings include the Mayflower Compact and selected Puritan sermons and speeches; Thomas Paine’s Common Sense; The Federalist and selected Anti-Federalist writings; Benjamin Franklin’s Autobiography; Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short stories; Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Essays; ante-bellum writings on political economy by conservatives and socialists; and selected Lincoln speeches. Course requirements are a midterm, paper, final examination, and active class participation.