George Mason University

Minor in Political Philosophy

Intensive study in the area of political philosophy and political theory, and includes courses that focus on the history of political philosophy; moral evaluation of political institutions; ethical, social, and political issues raised by globalization; and conceptual foundations of democracy and human rights. The minor provides the opportunity for students to study this field from a variety of interdisciplinary perspectives; develop a deeper philosophical perspective on political institutions; and lay the foundation for further graduate study in philosophy, government, or policy studies.

Degree Requirements (Catalog Year 2007-2008)

See the university catalog for policies governing all minors.

Students must complete 15 credits, distributed as follows.

• Two core courses (6 credits) chosen from the following:
• • PHIL/GOVT 323, Classical Western Political Theory
  • PHIL/GOVT 324, Modern Western Political Theory
  • PHIL/GOVT 327, Contemporary Western Political Theory
• Three elective courses (9 credits) chosen from the following:
• • PHIL/GOVT 323, 324, or 327 (if not used to fulfill the core requirement)
  • PHIL/GOVT 427 Feminist Political Thought
  • PHIL 325 Karl Marx’s Social and Political Thought
  • PHIL 326 Justice, Law, and the Modern State
  • PHIL 429 International Ethics
  • GOVT 328 Non-Western Political Theory
  • GOVT 329 Issues in Political Theories and Values
  • GOVT 420 American Political Thought
  • GOVT 421 Contemporary Political Ideologies
  • GOVT 428 Advanced Issues in Democratic Theory
  • GOVT 448 Ethics and International Politics

Special topics courses and independent studies courses, when relevant, may be used to fulfill elective credits with prior approval of the coordinator.

Requirements may be different for earlier catalog years. See the University Catalog archives.

Contact Information

Roger Paden
Robinson Hall B 458, MSN 3F1
Fairfax, VA 22030
703.993.1265
rpaden@gmu.edu