We offer a broad range of courses on the nature and role of political philosophy. Our department has strengths in modern and contemporary political philosophy, especially in the areas of democratic theory, liberalism, Continental and American political thought. We emphasize how political philosophy can contribute to the study of important contemporary issues such as modernization, globalization, democratic consolidation, civic engagement, globalization, terrorism and the rule of law.
There are six full-time faculty in Political Science currently teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in political philosophy. Our graduate students also take courses with affiliated faculty from other departments such as Philosophy, Germanic Studies, French and Italian, Religious Studies, Communication and Culture, History, and the Maurer School of Law. We also host a Political Theory Luncheon, which provides excellent opportunities for our graduate students to meet with guest speakers. The Tocqueville Program also sponsors lectures and events in political philosophy.
The College of Arts