Taught By:
The United States Constitution states that the legitimacy of a government depends upon the consent of those that it governs. The framers of the Constitution owe this idea most of all to John Locke and his Second Treatise of Government. In this course, we will read Locke's Second Treatise and discuss the arguments found within. We will then read early modern and contemporary critics of Locke and conclude by asking when and how a government loses its legitimacy. Students will be evaluated on the basis of weekly reading response submissions and three 2-3 page essays.
Anticipated Credit Equivalencies:
4 - Political Philosophy
Registration
Summer Registration:
Academic Details
Fields of Study:
Preparatory for studies and careers in:
philosophy, politics, political science, citizenship
Credits:
4
Maximum Enrollment:
25
Class Standing:
Freshman
Sophomore
Junior
Senior
Schedule
Quarters:
Summer
2026
Open
In Person or Remote:
Time Offered:
Evening
Schedule Evergreen:
Location:
Olympia