Machiavelli, The Prince. Translated by Harvey C. Mansfield, Jr. (University of Chicago Press).
Thucydides, The History of the Peloponnesian War. Translated by Rex Warner (Penguin Classics).

The goal of this course is to understand as clearly as we can the perennial problem of war and peace through an examination of this problem as it is presented and analyzed by the two most famous (or notorious) "realists" in the history of political philosophy: Machiavelli and Thucydides. As we study their works, we will consider such questions as the following: What are the causes of war? Can the causes of war ever be eliminated or is war, both foreign and civil, a permanent feature of political life? What are the causes of imperialism? Can the causes of imperialism ever be eliminated or is imperialism a permanent feature of political life? What is the relation between democracy and imperialism? Can imperialism be justified? What role does justice play in politics and in war? What role does self-interest play in politics and in war? What is the relation between justice and self-interest?

There will be two short (5-7 page) papers (worth 25% each) and one longer (8-10 page) paper (worth 40-45%). You must do all of the written work in order to pass the course. You will be docked a half of a grade (for example, from A to A-) on a paper which you hand in late unless you either have asked for (and received) my permission beforehand or have a very good excuse. Roughly 5-10% of your grade will be determined by class participation. You will be expected to read the assigned texts carefully before we discuss them in class. Regular attendance is expected.

I. Machiavelli's Optimistic Political Realism

August 30 Introduction

September 6 The Prince, chapters 1-11.

September 13 The Prince, chapters 12-23.

September 20 The Prince, chapters 24-26.

September 26 FIRST PAPER DUE IN MY OFFICE, 5PM.

II. Thucydides' Somber Political Realism.

September 27 Thucydides, Book I, paragraphs 1-23.

October 4 Book I.24-end.

October 18 Book II.1-65.

October 25 Book II.66-end and Book III.1-50.

November 1 Book III.51-end and Book IV.1-41.

November 7 SECOND PAPER DUE IN MY OFFICE, 5PM.

November 8 Book IV.42-end and Book V.1-83.

November 15 Book V.84-end and Book VI.1-31.

November 22 Book VI.32-end.

November 29 Book VII.

December 6 Book VIII.

December 19 THIRD PAPER DUE IN MY OFFICE, 5PM.