Open currency, time zone, and language settings
Log In

What Are Conservatism, Progressivism, and Libertarianism?

Come learn the arguments in favor of America's three main political ideologies with a professor of philosophy!
Benjamin Keil, PhD
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:
(11)
Class

What's included

3 live meetings
2 hrs 30 mins in-class hours

Class Experience

In this fifty-minute class (which will meet three times), students will learn what conservatism, libertarianism, and progressivism are.  In my decade of teaching philosophy, I have noticed that many of my students call themselves “conservatives” or “progressives” but plainly have no idea what those terms actually *mean*.  This class is therefore designed to give the thoughtful high school student an in-depth examination of each of these common American political ideologies.  

I expect my students to consider the best arguments on all sides of a given issue.  So, we will be reading the best authors providing the best arguments in favor of their own political ideologies.  In week 1 of the class we will read Schleuter’s explanation and defense of conservatism.  Then in week 2 of the class we will read Wenzel’s arguments in support of libertarianism.  Finally in week 3 we will read Yates and Bartley’s defense of progressivism.

Prior to each class meeting, I will provide the students with the assigned text (in PDF format) as well as a list of a few reading questions (directing the students to the most important parts of the week’s reading in DOCX format).  Students are not expected to have read the entire text (which will typically run between 20-30 pages long); rather, they are expected to have made their best efforts to answer the assigned reading questions.  Then, at the beginning of class, I will open by asking my students “Do you have any questions?”  This is the student’s opportunity to accomplish either (or both) of the following goals.  First, the student can ask about any of my reading questions to ensure that she has identified the correct answer.  Second, if there are any other parts of the text which were not clear to the student, I can explain what information the author was trying to convey.  

I anticipate spending most of our meeting time answering student questions about the reading.  If any extra time remains, I will discuss other salient parts of the reading with the students.  In general, students should be prepared to interact with the professor in a conversational manner but need not interact with the other students.  Once enrolled, students will be provided with the readings (in PDF format) and the reading questions for each week of class.  This class presumes neither background knowledge nor any previous experience.  Any student willing to read closely and begin thinking about life’s greatest questions will flourish in this class.


Photo credits: 
1.  “Black Left Arrow”, Disclaser, public domain
2. “Black Right Arrow”, Disclaser, public domain
2.  “Dr. Benjamin Keil”, author’s own copyright

Learning Goals

At the class’ end, students should be able to understand and explain conservatism, libertarianism, and progressivism. Students should know the arguments given in favor of each view and be able to highlight areas of agreement and disagreement between these political ideologies.
learning goal

Other Details

Parental Guidance
This class of its nature discusses controversial political topics. Examples presented by the various authors include, but are not limited to: The role(s) of government, differing views of human flourishing, the natures of governmental and parental authority, the limits of liberty, anarchy, wealth, healthcare, and taxes. Students need not agree or disagree with any author in order to do well in this class, but students should be prepared to encounter and respond to political views with which they might disagree – perhaps even disagree profoundly. With all of that said, I have taught these readings multiple times in my college philosophy classrooms and I have ample experience in leading productive classes even when discussing controversial topics.
Supply List
I will provide all PDFs for the readings and reading questions to the students.  The readings are provided in PDF format and the readings are provided in DOCX format once you enroll in the class.  No texts need to be purchased for this class.
 4 files available upon enrollment
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
We will read excerpts (in PDF format) from Schlueter & Wenzel's book "Selfish Libertarians and Socialist Conservatives?". We will also read excerpts (in PDF format) from Yates & Bartley's report "Progressive Thinking".
Joined June, 2020
5.0
11reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
I am an Instructional Assistant Professor of Philosophy at Illinois State University and I have taught philosophy for the past ten years.  I have a Ph.D. in Philosophy (University of Kansas, 2015).  Additionally, I have taught these particular excerpts approximately fifteen times.  

Reviews

Live Group Class
Share

$36

for 3 classes

1x per week, 3 weeks
50 min
Completed by 4 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 14-18
3-6 learners per class

This class is no longer offered
About
Support
SafetyPrivacyCA PrivacyLearner PrivacyYour Privacy ChoicesTerms
Financial Assistance
Get The App
Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
© 2025 Outschool