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PHIL322/ETIE322 Unit 1

Develop a research project exploring Johannes Althusius' work on society, political sovereignty, and resistance against abuse of authority. Enhance critical thinking and research skills.

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PHIL322/ETIE322 Unit 1

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  1. PHIL322/ETIE322 Unit 1 What this module is about

  2. Welcome! • In this module you will develop a guided research project in political thought. Together, we will read an abridged translation of Politica, an early 17th-century work written by Johannes Althusius (c. 1557 – 1638). In this work, Althusiusprovides an explanation of how society operates, a concept of political sovereignty and a moral argument for resistance against politicians who abuse their position of authority.

  3. What will we do? • This module will focus on some of the key passages of Politica, reading them in light of the historical and intellectual contexts in which the work was written. • We will discuss aspects of the historical and philosophical background behind Althusius’ masterpiece. • We will discuss a key essay by Quentin Skinner on how to read historical texts.

  4. Why? • In this module, students interested both in political philosophy and in the interpretation of philosophical texts will have the opportunity to propose and refine their views on a particular work. • The main value of this module lies in the development, in each student, of an attitude of attention to detail and background as they read and write about political ideas removed from them in time and space.

  5. Assessment • Short assignment (500 words) = 20% of Participation Mark • Option 1: Summary of Hueglin, pp. 29—84. • Option 2: Summary of Althusius, pp. 3—91. • Mid-term assignments = 80% of Participation • Three assignments • Unit 8 • Unit 10 • Unit 11

  6. Final Project (aka "examination") • If you have sufficient participation marks • Instead of an exam, you will write a final project (4,000 words essay) • You must choose a topic from a set list • You will have to do extra individual research • You may meet lecturers for supervision • Final project is due in examination week • This is worth 50% of the total marks (the participation mark will be adjusted to make up the remaining 50%)

  7. Reading plan • It's very important to follow the reading plan • Units 1—3 contain preliminary information to help you interpret Politica • A separate slide with resources to help with context has been prepared (videos, short articles, etc.) Use those as you go along. Don't ignore it. • Units 4—10 go through most of Politica • Units 8—11 go through Skinner's article • Unit 12 gives you the chance to further explore your topic of choice for the final essay

  8. Take aways • You will learn to interpret a classic • You will learn about the historical context of this particular work • You will develop critical thinking skills • You will prove why some of the interpreters of this work are wrong and defend your own view • You will learn to do independent research, thinking and writing • You will develop skills which are vital for a career in the Humanities or Social Sciences, particularly if you want to conduct postgraduate studies in the future

  9. How will this work? • Main lecturer will be available via distance teaching (WhatsApp, email) and often present on campus too (classes later during the term). • Assistant lecturer will be on campus most of the time (especially for Q&A and facilitation). • This is a research module: you must be disciplined to study at the right pace. • Audio commentary for each main topic will be provided. • Keep an eye on the websites (eFundi and http://lucasfreire.com )

  10. Main lecturer contact • Dr Lucas G Freire • School of Philosophy (F13 Room G02), email: 28218523@nwu.ac.za • Twitter: @althusiast • Website with resources for this module: http://lucasfreire.com – check left hand side menu

  11. Language policy • Please keep it civil on WhatsApp discussions • I don't understand Afrikaans, but you're welcome to use it with the assistant lecturer • You are also very welcome to submit your coursework in Afrikaans, no problem !  • Please edit your drafts before submitting them. If you have a medical report of dyslexia or another condition that affects the way you write and format your work, you're welcome to discuss alternative marking criteria with the leading lecturer • Zero tolerance for sloppy editing

  12. Plagiarism policy • Zero tolerance. • At this stage (final year) you must be able to reference properly. We'll be rigorous with the marking to enforce proper referencing. • This means: any idea you write must be linked to a specific source, and each link must be as detailed as possible (mention the page number specifically!)and that the referencing format will be appropriately employed.

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