POLI 310 American Political Thought

This course devotes significant attention to topics that relate directly to concept of pluralism including the relationship between religion and politics and how the legacy of racial oppression squares with the principles on which our country is founded. Topics include: the ideas articulated in the Declaration of Independence; the elements of Puritan thought; religion and the argument for American independence; the relationship between religion and politics; the framing of the Constitution; different views regarding the legitimacy of slavery under the Constitution; Abraham Lincoln's understanding of and commitment to the American Union; and, finally, Progressive views regarding the nature of good government.