CLASS ICAL POLITICAL THEORY: RAGE OF ACHILLES

Department of Public and International Affairs George Mason University Office: Rob. A 211 Office Hrs: Th 2-4 Dr. Char Miller Phone 703/993-1407 Email: cmillerd@gmu.edu

Why do the Greeks have to fight the Trojans? the godlike Achilles asked his thoughtful friend Odysseus in Book 9 of the Iliad. Why indeed? Furthermore, why do the rest of us have to do anything at all, since, as Achilles says, in the end, everybody comes out the same. Coward and hero get the same reward: you die whether you slack off or work? Why do one thing rather than another, is a fundamental political question. It lies at the heart of all political order, in which people are required, commanded, obligated, encouraged or enthusiastic to do some things and not other things. This course explores this issue within ancient texts in a variety of settings. Specifically, the aspects I most hope to examine include the role of violence in political obligation, the power of speech and language to order the world, and the commerce and exchange between people and their gods. Furthermore, we are going to explore how these ancient texts themselves work to supply order to our chaotic selves. The requirements of the class are designed to meet these objectives. They include: (1) (2) (3) (4) (5) (6) First short essay -- (5 pgs)...........................................15% Second longer essay -- (10 pgs)......................................20% Four of Five Reading Quizzes....15% One midterm exam .....................................................20% One final exam............................................................25% Class participation.......................................................5%

Your final grade depends on these six requirements and any extra credit I may invent (don't count on extra-credit). Your first short paper (due: March 26) requires that you use one of the books we will read to address an important topic in political theory. This essay requires that you use one of the books we have read or will read to address an important topic in political theory. Focus on a topic, idea, or word that you have found particularly interesting and explore how it works in the text. Keep your work tightly focused on a single concept. Make sure that your essay has a thesis and is supported by specific examples drawn from the text. Make sure you also set out (probably in the first paragraph) the significance or importance of your topic for the reader. The second longer paper will require that you compare and contrast two texts of political theory along the question of your choice. Papers should explain and evaluate the readings and may bring in other material if you find it relevant--always make sure that the papers make an argument that is clearly supported by specifics. The long paper can take advantage of the work you have done and the comments I have made on the short paper. The five reading quizzes are surprise quizzes. They will be drawn from the reading (usually only a portion). I will not accept these late. I will, however, give you the chance to drop one.

Both exams will be short answer and essay format and will require that you make generalizations and connections incorporating concrete and comprehensive examples from the required readings. First exam is March 21. Any students anticipating a scheduling conflict on an examination date should make alternative arrangements with the instructor as soon as possible. In the absence of such arrangements (or a dire personal emergency), any make-up exam score will be reduced by twenty points for each day, or portion thereof, that the exam is delayed. Class participation and attendance are crucial. Attendance is very necessary because we will be moving quickly, and much of the material requires background information not treated in the readings. Participation and informed debate are the means to a deeper understanding of the material. Arguments, opinions, and questions are always welcome, both in class and during office hours or appointments. If you are a student with a disability and you need academic accommodations, please see me and contact the Office of Disability Resources at 703.993.2474. All academic accommodations must be arranged through that office. George Mason University has an Honor Code, which requires all members of this community to maintain the highest standards of academic honesty and integrity. Cheating, plagiarism, lying, and stealing, obviously, are prohibited. All violations of the honor code will be reported to the Honor Committee. Required Readings: I. Ancients A. Homer, Iliad. Hackett Publ. ISBN: 0-87220-352-2 Dean Hammer, Political Theory, Review: Thomas Hobbes Trans Homer http://ptx.sagepub.com.mutex.gmu.edu/content/39/1/166.full.pdf+html B. Bhagavad Gita Greeks A. Plato, (Euthyphro, Apology, Crito, and Phaedo) J. Peter Euben, Platonic Noise, Political Theory, Feb 2003. http://ptx.sagepub.com.mutex.gmu.edu/content/31/1/63.full.pdf+html B. Aristotle, The Politics and Poetics. http://classics.mit.edu/Aristotle/poetics.html C. Quoheleth Early Romans A. Paul, Letter to the Romans B. The Secret Teachings of Jesus. Vintage. ISBN: 0-394-74433-0. C. Tacitus, The Agricola and the Germania. Ryan Balot, Polybius Advice to the Imperial Republic. Political Theory Aug 2010 http://ptx.sagepub.com.mutex.gmu.edu/content/38/4/483.full.pdf+html Later Romans A. Marcus Aurelius, Meditations B. Augustine, City of God. Bks. I-III Medieval A. Ibn 'Arabi, Divine Governance of the Human Kingdom. Fons Vitae; ISBN: 1887752056

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