16.7 2nd and 3rd years Dr Doug Adeney. One first-year single-semester Philosophy subject. Students who lack this prerequisite, but believe themselves adequately prepared to attempt any second/third year subjects, should consult the Head of Department. Second semester Up to three hours a week. Students completing this subject should:

• have gained an understanding, in broad outlines, of the nature and development of the Western tradition in political theory up to the 17th century;
• have developed an appreciation of the value of studying historically significant theoretical texts as an aid to making sense of modern views and issues;
• be able to display a critical understanding of the particular texts studied;
• be capable of engaging with the fundamental questions in political philosophy raised in the study of these texts.

A critical study of classic political texts by Aristotle, Machiavelli, Hobbes and Locke, with comparisons among them and with more recent writers. One 2-hour end-of-semester examination (50 per cent) and two essays of 1,500 words each (25 per cent each).