Political Science 298 - Experimental course:Non-Western Political Thought

Institution:

Wheaton College - Massachusetts

Subject:

Description:

Far from being a homogenous system, non-Western political philosophy portrays a host of diverse ideas of man, society, truth, good and power. Like its "Western" counterpart, "non-Western" politicthought has historically evolved in response to the socio political exigencies of time. Having this fragmentary nature in mind, we begin this course with an evaluation of the very dichotomy of Western vs. non-Western traditions of thought. Then, we trace the historical and intellectual exchanges between select braches of each tradition and inquire into medieval and contemporary Islamic political thought. Perhaps the recent worldwide resurgence of political Islam and its growing importance in international and domestic affairs fully account for this choice. The "Eastern" philosophy of nonviolenceand its relevance for the current world shape our second area of concern. Finally, we will specifically investigate a branch of contemporary Islamic political thought that seeks to learn from, and incorporate, Gandhi's philosophy of nonviolence, and, in so doing, offer alternatives to both "western-secularist" and "Islamic fundamentalistpolitical ideologies. (Alireza Shomali)

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.wheatoncollege.edu

Phone Number:

(508) 285-7722

Regional Accreditation:

New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Calendar System:

Semester

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