CLT 3000 The Art of Statesmanship and the Civic Life

[3 credit hours]

This course examines the art of statesmanship, the meaning of political greatness and the means of educating aspiring young statesmen and stateswomen. The ambition, moral character, cunning, prudence, and grit required for effective statesmanship are analyzed using books written by past statesmen for future statesmen. The course also explores whether the life of leadership is a desirable way of life. Differences between classical and modern statesmanship are considered, in addition to the unique demands that different regimes and natural circumstances place on founders and leaders.

Term Offered: Fall

CLT 3010 The Art of Rhetoric and the Civic Life

[3 credit hours]

This course examines the art of rhetoric and the role that rhetoric plays in different political societies. The purposes and limitations of rhetoric and public deliberation in modern democracies will be analyzed through close readings of great speeches from classical to modern times. The tradition of great speeches by American men and women is a special focus of this course. Other forms of writing, including philosophical texts, dialogues, essays, and literary works will be considered. Students will also write and present their own oration and may receive feedback from professional speechwriters.

Term Offered: Spring

CLT 3500 Civic Discourse

[3 credit hours]

This course explores the value of civic discourse to an open, free, and tolerant society and provides students with an opportunity to learn and practice the core skills necessary to civic discourse. Students will study the underlying philosophic justifications for maintaining an open society and the connection between civic discourse and an open society. Students will also study how to productively discuss difficult or sensitive subjects with others who hold different or contrary views, and the value of doing so. The class will confront a series of contemporary “hot-button” issues (i.e. gun control, immigration, abortion, policing) to allow students the opportunity to engage in civic discourse.

Term Offered: Fall

CLT 3510 Competing Theories of Justice

[3 credit hours]

This course explores competing theories of justice as models we can use to explore and think more carefully about contemporary controversies in public, political, and social spheres. Students will assess the practical applications of those theories in different situations. Students will also research and prepare an executive summary on different actions, laws or public policies. They will present these summaries in a mini-conference that will take place as part of the course.

Term Offered: Spring

CLT 3990 Special Topics in Civic Thought

[3 credit hours]

This course examines special topics in civic thought and leadership. Topics will be determined by the instructor and may be interdisciplinary. Among other possible topics, this course may focus on a careful reading of a single text, a comprehensive study of a single author’s thought, or more broad investigations of ideas, history, and texts across multiple authors. May be repeated for a total of 6 credit hours under different topics.

Term Offered: Spring, Summer, Fall