FYSM 233 - Modern Classical Liberalism

Institution:

Trinity College

Subject:

Description:

This Seminar will study the modern evolution of classical liberalism - a body of ideas emphasizing individual rights, private property, limited government, and free markets - with special emphasis on its 20th century forms, including libertarianism. What arguments does classical liberalism use to support its views of the social realm, of the individuals within it, and of the legitimate role of the State How have such views been expressed in literature and film And how does classical liberalism stand up to rival ideologies We will examine the intellectual foundations of classical liberalism as expressed in the work of 18th and 19th century philosophers, political theorists, and economists, such as John Locke, David Hume, Adam Smith, and John Stuart Mill. Most of our attention, however, will be directed at an analysis of classical liberal thought and expression as it has evolved during the 20th and into the 21st Centuries. The Seminar will analyze classical liberalism's positive program for reform and its critique of other social systems. Through oral presentations, including formal class debates, and writing assignments students will have the opportunity to study various contemporary issues, such as post-9/11 civil liberties, affirmative action, and environmentalism. The Seminar will study "texts" from fiction (e.g., Ayn Rand, George Orwell, and Robert Heinlein), film (e.g., 1984; Brazil) and non-fiction (works by F.A. Hayek, Murray Rothbard, Milton Friedman, Robert Higgs, and others). The goals for the Seminar are to provide a challenging academic experience for students, a stimulating environment geared to developing writing, researching and oral communication skills, and finally, to promote critical discourse based on a candid exchange of informed ideas and tolerance for the views of others 1.00 units, Seminar

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.Trincoll.edu

Phone Number:

(860) 297-2000

Regional Accreditation:

New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Calendar System:

Semester

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