PLSC 197 focuses on the role of protests in the American political process. Since the Boston Tea Party, civil disobedience has been a staple of political participation. This is as true today as ever before. The right to assemble and petition the government is protected by the first amendment, but how does this activity affect American politics? This class will discuss the institutions present in the United States government and address how protests have shaped these institutions. We will explore various social movements across US history, and discuss how these movements affects politicians, public opinion, and policy decisions.

Leaders, in whatever context, make difficult decisions, distribute scarce resources, direct and influence the conduct of others, and represent the goals of the enterprise they lead. Thus they ought to exemplify prudence, fairness, integrity, honesty, trustworthiness, sincerity, and morally upright behavior. PHIL 119 investigates these concepts and the moral dilemmas that arise in developing or applying them. It also explores, philosophically as well as practically, the ways leaders might identify ethical challenges, analyze them, imagine possible solutions, and be motivated to do the right thing. Students may read a variety of literature, from classic plays and novels, to prominent philosophical texts, to recent studies of ethics and leadership.