Political Theory and Constitutional Democracy (PTCD) probes the major competing principles that have animated political communities and how we have attempted to translate these into practice.
PTCD curriculum is both philosophical and historical. Course readings range from Plato and the classical poets to contemporary political theory, literature and U.S. Supreme Court decisions.
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Curriculum & Course Sequence
The introductory course sequence (MC 270-271) is not a conventional survey of political theory. It introduces students to a theoretical way of thinking about politics and morality at different times and places (for example, the ancient Greek city-state and the Florentine Republic), which they can then use as a basis of comparison in analyzing the American experience. Other required “core” courses confront students with the most systematic justifications philosophers have offered for one or another conception of justice and also the most challenging, sometimes unorthodox objections to grand theories of justice. Finally, in senior seminars, students can critically explore a focused topic in depth in such a way that many of the themes and questions that have been raised by the curriculum may be viewed in a new light. In addition, a wide range of electives, including courses on technology, religion and politics, the Supreme Court and African-American political thought allow students to pursue more specialized interest relevant to the general concerns of the major.
The PTCD curriculum is coherent yet flexible. The required courses are carefully sequenced and built on one another. The small number of required courses in the junior and senior year, combined with the flexibility of other Political Theory requirements, enables upper-class students to use the curriculum as the basis for a program that integrates their interests inside and outside the College.
Features of the PTCD program make it easy to pursue a dual major. Many students combine a PTCD major with a major in another Madison core or a major in a disciplinary department. In recent years, PTCD students have dual majored in biochemistry, criminal justice, economics, English, history, mathematics, philosophy, political science, physics, psychology, religion, secondary education, sociology, and theater.
Many Political Theory graduates go on to graduate or professional school in law, business, philosophy and political science. From there, their paths have taken many different turns; for example, serving in the Michigan Legislature, as Solicitor General of the State of Ohio, as Budget Director of the State of Michigan, as Executive Director of the Michigan Democratic Party and teaching at major universities and small liberal arts colleges.
Sample Courses
MC271 Constitutionalism and Democracy
MC370 Radical Challenges to Liberal Democracy
MC372 Comparative Black Political Thought
MC375 Contemporary Developments in American Politics