Prerequisites: While not strictly required, prior knowledge in political philosophy, social theory, or intellectual history would be very helpful. Cross-listed with PHPE308D. Credit only granted for PHIL428D or PHPE308D.

Examines major historical texts and contemporary perspectives that have been associated with realist political theory. Historical authors discussed include Niccol Machiavelli, Thomas Hobbes, David Hume, Adam Smith, James Madison, and Max Weber. Contemporary authors range from Judith Shklar to Charles W. Mills. Through close engagement with these texts, students will obtain basic intellectual tools to form their own judgments about how to be realistic yet critical toward core political institutions and practices, including the sovereign state, private property, competitive elections, party politics, personal leadership, and protestsagainst existing laws.