Learning Objectives

  1. Describe the basic arguments of early political theorists in ancient Greece, Rome, and later medieval Europe.
  2. Understand the influence of religion, and in particular Christianity, on political theory and the origins of the Enlightenment.
  3. Outline the political theory of liberalism, including its tenets, adherents, and contributors.
  4. Summarize challenges to liberalism, including those of Karl Marx.
  5. Describe modern political thought and its leading theorists and perspectives.