Political Ideologies

This poltical theory course will be an overview of political system-types we call "ideologies." The course will explain what an ideology is and also explain and define specific, major ideologies.

There will be an initial defining of the concept of ideology and setting up general categories of issues they address in order to understand given ones. Then individual ideologies will be reviewed and explained. The major ideologies to be addressed are: Democracy, Liberalism, Capitalism, Social Democracy, Socialism, Communism, Fascism, Totalitarian, Authoritarian, Monarchy, Libertarian, and Anarchism. The review will include looking at key similarities and differences, with emphasis on governing structures and economic systems.

Prerequisites: Very basic understanding of governments, economics, political principles. Emphasis on lecture and discussion. Suggested readings, none required. No assignments, but instructor willing to evaluate any written work students want to submit.